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.
- Matthew 16:13-18 (ESV)
1. What others say about Jesus is important
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.”
- Matthew 16:13-14
A person’s perception of Jesus is important because it reveals their spiritual condition.
2. What you say about Jesus is more important
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.”
- Matthew 16:15-16
Knowing the right answer doesn’t matter if our lives aren’t consistent with what we believe.
3. The appropriate answer is crucial.
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.
- Matthew 16:16-17
The correct and appropriate answer comes from God himself.
The revelation that Jesus is savior and Lord, is foundational for a fruitful spiritual life and effective ministry. The power of this revelation goes far beyond ourselves. It’s this revelation that allows His people to continue to shake the earth today!