When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:13-18
When I read this passage, I think of how personal our knowledge of Jesus should be. Do we simply think He is a prophet? A teacher? Some god up in the clouds? Is He a miracle worker? Is He simply a mortal character in history hyped up by religion?
When Jesus was going around the villages healing the sick, casting out demons, and declaring the Kingdom of God, people must have been wondering: Who is this man? Is he the One foretold by prophets long ago as our Messiah? Or is he simply a powerful prophet?
I love how Peter had the correct answer: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This was a personal revelation given to Him; a very direct truth that we, too, must have of Jesus. JESUS IS the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
How many of us know this truth as our reality? Do we know Jesus as Christ? As Messiah? As the Savior of mankind; the son of the Living God? Or do we hold this revelation so lightly that it doesn’t matter anymore?
The revelation of Jesus’ identity to Peter came from God the Father. It is an identity central to the building of Christ’s Church, and this church is not a building made of concrete. This Church is US. Who are we? What is the church? Our identity as His Church is anchored on the revelation that Jesus is Christ. It is the love of our Father God that allows us this revelation from Heaven. “NO ONE KNOWS THE SON EXCEPT THE FATHER, AND NO ONE KNOWS THE FATHER EXCEPT THE SON AND THOSE TO WHOM THE SON CHOOSES TO REVEAL HIM.” Matthew 11:27
As we walk on this earth, let us be people of divine revelation. If we feel we lack revelation, then why not go to the Father and honestly say, “Father, can you reveal Jesus more to me?” This will delight the Father.
Let us be honest with ourselves and with God. Let us seek to know more of who Jesus is. We are a people whose rock of revelation is Jesus the Christ, the Savior of the world.
Janina Marie Rivera is the Editor-in-Chief of One Voice Magazine, a teacher of world literature, and a student of the Bible. She enjoys reflecting on life’s curve balls and plateaus. She resides in the Philippines, the country known for people who smile a lot.
God Bless You,.. This is Inspiring … Never stop writing ..
Daramola Shola
Abuja Nigeria
Praise GOD the Father of Our LORD JESUS CHRIST for revealing to Peter His Son’s true identity, the rock JESUS promised and continues to build His church upon and that the gates of hell shall not prevail against.