Tag: Messiah

Matthew 16:15 (NIV), Jesus asks, “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Certainly! Matthew 16:13-20 (NIV) recounts a significant conversation between Jesus and his disciples.

Matthew 16:13-20 (NIV):

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.

Explanation:

1. Caesarea Philippi: This event takes place in the region of Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus engages his disciples in a crucial conversation.
2. Question about Identity: Jesus first asks the disciples about popular opinions regarding his identity. The disciples share various views, and then Jesus directs the question specifically to them.
3. Peter’s Confession: Simon Peter, one of the disciples, declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This confession is a profound acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine nature.
4. Jesus’ Response: Jesus commends Peter for this revelation, stating that it came from God. He also makes a significant statement about building his church on the rock of Peter’s confession.
5. Keys of the Kingdom: Jesus promises Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing authority. This authority extends to binding and loosing, indicating spiritual authority and responsibility.
6. Secrecy Command: Jesus instructs the disciples not to reveal his Messiahship at this point, possibly to avoid misunderstanding and premature reactions.

Other Scripture References:

• Messiah Prophecy: Peter’s confession aligns with messianic prophecies, such as Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) and Isaiah 53 (NIV) , describing the promised Messiah.
• Church Foundation: The concept of building the church on the rock is echoed in Ephesians 2:20 (NIV) , referring to Christ as the cornerstone.
• Keys of the Kingdom: The idea of keys representing authority is also mentioned in Revelation 1:18(NIV) , where Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.

These passages highlights the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and the foundational role of Peter in the establishment of the church.

Now, who do YOU say Jesus is?

For Christians, Jesus is considered the central figure of their faith and is often regarded as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection are foundational to Christian beliefs and the significance of Jesus and his role in salvation.

In other religious traditions, Jesus may be seen as a prophet, a moral teacher, or a historical figure with different degrees of importance. Non-religious perspectives may view Jesus as a historical figure whose impact has influenced cultures and societies.

What must we do to know Jesus as our savior and Lord?

The Christian understanding of knowing Jesus as one’s Savior is often based on the concept of faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ. According to Christian teachings, belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior, repentance, and acceptance of God’s grace through faith are key components.

Supporting scriptures:

1. Faith in Jesus Christ:
   • Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
2. Acknowledgment of Sin and Repentance:
   • Acts 3:19 (NIV) – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
3. Confession of Jesus as Lord:
   • Romans 10:9 (NIV) – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
4. Acceptance of God’s Grace:
   • Titus 2:11 (NIV) – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”