When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”— Matthew 16:13-17 NLT
Many Jews believed what was written in the scriptures. They believed and shared the hope that God would send a Messiah to save Israel and restore a political kingdom. One such person was the Samaritan woman. During her encounter with Jesus, she said, “…I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” John 4:25 (NLT)
Many people, however, had different views of who Jesus was. Some believed He could be the Messiah. The Samaritan woman after her encounter with Jesus, went back to the village telling everyone of her experience: “‘Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?’ So the people came streaming from the village to see him.” John 4:29-30 (NLT)
Other people saw Jesus simply as a teacher, prophet and a miracle worker. “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’” John 3:2 (NKJV); “‘What things?’ Jesus asked. ‘The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,’ they said. ‘He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people.’” Luke 24:19 (NLT)
Some people believed that when the Messiah comes, he will simply appear from nowhere, so Jesus couldn’t possibly be the one because they knew His background. He came from Nazareth; His parents were Joseph and Mary, and He had brothers and sisters. “…Could our leaders possibly believe that he is the Messiah? But how could he be? For we know where this man comes from. When the Messiah comes, he will simply appear; no one will know where he comes from.” John 7:26-27 (NLT)
Jesus confirmed Peter’s statement that he was the Son of God, the Messiah Israel was expecting and the saviour of the world. He made it clear that Peter had not come to this conclusion by human reasoning but by a direct revelation from God the Father.
Maybe Peter spoke up for himself and/or on behalf of the rest of the disciples. The question is, who do you say Jesus is? Who is He to you? Is He just a teacher, a giver of good things, a prophet, a miracle worker or much more?
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 