Matt. 16:13-20 (NKJV)
Looking at the scriptures in Matthew 16:13, we see Jesus and His disciples sitting around in Caesarea and Jesus asks a unique question to the disciples. Who does everyone say that I, the Son of Man, am? This would be kind of like a popular opinion poll. The answer that the disciples give, basically reveals what everyone was thinking of Jesus or what they were hoping for in Him. With the response that He was John the Baptist, it was like people were looking at Jesus as being an interesting evangelist that could get them fired up. With the response that He was Elijah, it was like people were looking at Jesus as being a miracle worker that could do a miracle in their life. With the response that He was Jeremiah or one of the prophets, it was like people were looking at Jesus as being a great teacher that could give them answers to life’s questions.
People today see Jesus in different ways as well. Some people see Jesus as a good man that did good things. Some people see Jesus as a very gifted teacher that taught good lessons about life and living a good life. Then there are people like you and I that see Jesus as the very Son of God.
After Jesus asks the popular opinion question, Jesus turns it to a personal opinion, who do you say that I am? Jesus wanted to hear the response of who the disciples really thought that Jesus was. It’s from the response to this question and what Jesus says afterward that we find the answer to three of life’s most important questions about Jesus. Let’s read the scriptures and find the answer to these three questions:
- What is Jesus’ relationship or connection to God? (V.16)
Peter identifies that Jesus is the Son of God, the anointed one with God’s power in His life. This is the beginning of really understanding that Jesus is more than just a good man or a good teacher. - What is Jesus’ relationship or connection to you? (V.17-18)
Jesus addresses Peter personally and expresses the connection between God, Peter, and Jesus. It’s on this relationship that Jesus reveals that He will build His church. Jesus desires a personal relationship with you, not just a knowledge of who He represents. - What is Jesus’ relationship or connection to your daily life? (V.19)
Jesus has the keys to whatever you need in your life. He has the life-changing power that He desires to put at work in your life.
Now, who is Jesus to you?
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