Jesus was teaching his disciples while walking with them and demonstrating his power to perform many miracles. He was laying down the most important evidence of his identity by fulfilling prophecies made about the Christ, and by demonstrating his power over the created by the faith he had in the heavenly father. His obedience to God and his ways was flawless in front of his disciples and his Authority was clear. When it came to matters of need, he had healed the sick, miraculously fed the 5,000 people who were hungry with only 2 loaves and five fishes, he had walked on water, made the blind to see, healed the leper, turned the water to wine, and many more miracles that could not be done unless he had the power of God to do them.
After these miracles, and many object lessons along the way, Jesus came to a quiet place with his disciples where he could bring home the most important lessons of the day for them. There was much talk around the regions that resulted from all the signs and miracles that Jesus had performed, and his disciples had heard many assessments as to the identify of Christ. No doubt he was a changer, because even the winds obeyed him. No doubt he carried powerful messages from God, because few had such command of the scriptures, and his wisdom with even the greatest scholars was incredible. But who did people say that he was.. And why were the religious intimidated by him?
Then came the questions that would set the course for the disciples before Jesus suffered as he predicted here on earth.
Matthew 16:13-17
13. When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14. They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16. Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17. Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
Simon Peter got it right on the money… He said he was the Christ. It was personal. It was conviction. It was recognition of the things he had witnessed. Christ had asked that very personal question to his disciples, because he knew they must answer for themselves with faith and conviction as to the authenticity they had seen. Everything about following Christ was on the line. Either he was who he claimed to be, or they were wasting their time. Which was it ?
The thing about the question.. Who do you say I am?" is that it is a question that Jesus Christ asks of each of us. And our response to this question must come from the heart as we examine the evidence that God has wisely left for us to examine. There was so much evidence to the people around as they witnessed firsthand what Jesus could do, and yet they found another answer to the question. They devised ways around it. The religious tried to derail him. The busy ignored him, the intellectual explained him away by their own devices, but anyone who followed him for who he claimed himself to be, answered the question straight on in their mind and heart.
It is interesting how the Roman Soldier responded upon seeing the Lord die upon the cross, hearing him say,” Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” He responded “Surely this was the son of God”.. Imagine the conviction in his heart when he saw the Lord in his worst possible spot as he came and dwelt among us. He knew how to obey and respond even then, and showed his Love for us even then.
How will you respond to that question? …. Who do you say I am?" It comes at a number of points in our lives as we learn to walk by faith and not by sight. It is the beginning point of a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ, and a connection point to God. Many things, like pride, avoidance, sin, and worldly pursuits can detract us from personally answering Jesus Christ’s question to us. Is he the Christ, the Son of the Living God ? and if that is true, what will you do to respond to his call ?
God Bless and Pass this on .
His Servant,
Jeff Dyk
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