In this passage, Jesus was asking the disciples what people were thinking of Him. He knew they were out and about in the public places hearing people talking. He wanted to know who they said He was. In the next verse, the disciples answered His question:
"And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." (Matthew 16:14).
Then Jesus took it a little farther by asking the disciples yet another question in the next verse:
"He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?" (Matthew 16:15).
This was a very important question that Jesus is still asking us today. It isn't enough for us to know what other people think of Him. It's not enough to know what our pastor calls Jesus. It isn't enough for us to know what our parents or grandparents knew about Jesus. It isn't enough for us to read what others say about Him. We must settle the question once and for all in our own hearts: Who is Jesus to me?
In the next verse, Peter answered Jesus' question and Jesus was well pleased with his response:
"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:16-19).
Peter didn't tell Jesus that He was a good man, great teacher, prophet, healer, or any other title that we sometimes hear today. Jesus is all of these things, but He is much much more. He is The SON OF THE LIVING GOD! He is the only way to Heaven.
How do you answer the question: Who is Jesus? What is your response? It doesn't really matter what others say about Him. It doesn't matter how others answer this question. Each of us must answer this question on our own. There are many opinions and theories going around about who He is. The Word of God should be the only place to find the answer to this question.
Jesus is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16). He is the Way to Heaven. (John 14:6). He is our only hope. (Titus 2:13). Yes, He is our Healer, Redeemer, Savior, Lord, Master, and so much more. However, until we can answer as Peter answered, then we are missing out on Who He really is.
So, Who is Jesus to you? Can you truly say He is the only Son of God? Can you truly declare Him to be the Christ, the Son of the Living God? One day every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord.
Who is Jesus to you? Do you tell others who He is? Do you blush and try to change the subject, or do you boldly proclaim who He is? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? If not, then you can right now. Call on Him, repent of your sins, accept His sacrifice for your sins, and ask Him to be your Savior. You can know who He is without a doubt. Don't delay. Time is running out.
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