Who Do You Say…?
Opening Prayer
Jesus, You are the Christ, the promised one of God and the Savior of the world. All blessing and honor to You.
Read Matthew 16:13-20
[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 Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [17] Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. [18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” [20] Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Have you acknowledged Jesus as your only hope?How did you come to know Jesus? For Peter, that early encounter on the beach (4:18-20) has led to this significant declaration: Jesus is the Messiah, Son of the living God (16).This is a quiet, intimate moment away from the crowds in a peaceful place. Peter speaks on behalf of the disciples (and, in a way, on our behalf too). Others may have all kinds of ideas about who Jesus is, but Jesus addresses the question to us personally. It is breathtaking to recognize that Jesus is God come to earth in human form. This is so astonishing that only the Father can reveal this truth to Peter (17)–and to us. And Peter, the rock, will have a key role in building the young church (18). The “rock” of truth about Jesus, God incarnate, is its foundation. Why does Jesus order the disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Messiah? Perhaps because they cannot fully understand who Jesus is until they witness his death and resurrection (21). It is a pivotal moment. Acknowledging Jesus as Christ the Lord means their lives can never be the same again. And neither can ours.
Apply
Who do you say that Jesus is? The answer to this question will determine your eternity. Consider well.
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