MATTHEW 16:13-17 – “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.”
THEME OF THE DAY: LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION. Jesus, being the greatest teacher ever, extensively used the effective learning technique of asking questions. As we travel through the gospels, we encounter Him asking questions often. Here are four examples; one from each of the gospels. Each one penetrates the soul for the answers reveal deep truth instructing us, affirming us, or convicting us . . .
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13).
He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? (Luke 6:46).
Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:23-26).
The importance of the lessons for us from the previous questions asked by Jesus cannot be understated. The questions cause us to evaluate our salt influence in the world, the place we allow for fear in terrifying circumstances, the reality of our profession validated by practice, and our conviction of the resurrection of our Lord. But of all the questions Jesus asked, the one in today’s scripture is the chief one. It is the one that impacts every human being because our answer determines our eternal state whether heaven or hell, forgiveness of sin or not, and a relationship with God reconciled or leaving us separated from Him.
Jesus’ question was of His identity. And there is only one correct answer. Peter gave it – “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” But be careful here. It is not difficult to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God intellectually or culturally. In past generations in our nation, many morally good people were known as “God-fearers” who were not Christians. They would even attend church and acknowledge Jesus as God’s Son especially at Christmas. However, the answer Peter gave is only correct by the impact it had on Peter’s life. Same applies to us. Profession of Jesus as the Son of the Living God is proved by a life surrendered to the Lord Jesus in glad submission and obedience.
The real test of profession is not in our words of faith in Jesus but in our attitude of the heart and conduct in our lives toward Jesus. When we truly acknowledge Jesus as the Son of the Living God, He will impact every area of our lives, and we welcome such impact and rule in our lives. Actually, we love His rule and with each passing day, we want to know and love Him more and more as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Him. So, Jesus asks a lot of questions. Get alone with Him today, and let Him ask this most important one, and then willingly give the only true answer – the Son of the Living God, then live lives reflecting our answer.
PRAYER: Father, may my profession that “Your Son is Lord” be affirmed by my life; submitting all to Him as Lord.
REFLECTION: No one escapes the question by Jesus, “Who do you say that I am?” and our answer impacts eternity.