The Question That Changes Everything
Have you ever been asked a question that stopped you in your tracks? A question so profound that your answer could change the course of your life? That's exactly what happened to Jesus' disciples in a place called Caesarea Philippi, and it's a question we all must answer today.
The Setting: A Clash of Worldviews
Jesus took his disciples to a place that would have shocked any devout Jew. Caesarea Philippi was a center of pagan worship, filled with shrines to various Greek gods.
It was a place with running water, with beautiful trees and flowers, all under a giant rock. But in the midst of this beauty, there were worship sites to the gods where they sacrificed animals. It would be absolutely repugnant to any Jew to actually go there with all the smoke filling the air from the sacrifices and such.
Why would Jesus bring his followers to such a place? He wanted to put all the options on the table. In this setting of competing gods and beliefs, Jesus asked the most important question of all.
The Question: "Who Do You Say I Am?"
Standing before the shrines to false gods, Jesus turned to his disciples and asked, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied with various answers - John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. But then Jesus made it personal: "But what about you? Who do you say I am?"
This is where Peter made his great confession: "You are the Messiah, the son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).
The Blessing: A New Identity and Mission
Jesus' response to Peter's confession was remarkable. He said:
"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 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. 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" (Matthew 16:17-19).
This blessing wasn't just for Peter - it extends to all who make the same confession. When we acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, we receive a new identity and a divine mission.
The Commission: Go and Tell
The story doesn't end with Peter's confession. Later, after Jesus' resurrection, we see Peter living out his commission. In Acts 3, he boldly proclaims:
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus" (Acts 3:19-20).
This commission extends to us as well. Even an angel repeated the charge: "Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people all about this new life" (Acts 5:20).
Our Response
So how do we respond to Jesus' question and commission today? Here are three key steps:
Make Your Choice: Just as Peter did, we must decide who Jesus is to us personally. Is he truly the Messiah, the Son of the living God? This isn't about adding Jesus to a list of other "gods" or good teachers. It's an all-or-nothing decision.
Accept Your Stewardship: If you've received Jesus as your Savior, you've been given incredible blessings. Take what God has given you and use it. Use it so that the kingdom of God can go forward.
Embrace Your Assignment: God has a unique role for each of us in sharing the good news about Jesus. Whether it's through words or actions, we're all called to "tell the people all about this new life."
Remember, no power on earth can stop the advancement of God's kingdom. Even in the face of opposition, like the early disciples experienced, we can boldly share the message of Jesus' love.
Who do you say Jesus is? And how will you respond to his commission? Your answer could change everything - for you and for those around you.
Reflection:
How would you answer Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?"
In what ways have you tried to make Jesus just one of many "gods" in your life?
How can you reaffirm your commitment to Jesus as the one true King of your heart?
What "blessing" or gifts has God given you that you can use to advance his kingdom?
Application:
Accept your stewardship of the blessings God has given you. Recognize that you have been blessed with salvation, freedom from sin, and spiritual gifts. Use these blessings to share the message of Jesus with others and help advance God's kingdom. Embrace your assignment to "Go and tell the people all about this new life" in Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Help me to fully commit my life to him as the one true King of my heart. Give me the courage to use the gifts and blessings you've given me to share your love with others. May I embrace my assignment to spread the good news of new life in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
