Title: Who Is Jesus?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-16
^“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Main idea: What is your opinion about Jesus Christ?

In our passage, Jesus takes the Twelve to a remote northern village called Caesarea Philippi. Once, while in Caesarea Philippi, He engaged the disciples in conversation about public opinion as well as their personal opinion about who He was. It was during this dialogue that Peter made his famous confession, followed by Jesus’ affirmation (Matt. 16:13–17). Jesus approves and blesses Peter, for he has received a gift from Jesus’ Father: “This was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven” (16:17). Peter spoke his mind, yet God had revealed the truth to him. From this incident, we gain great insight into the person of Jesus.

1. Jesus is fully man (Matt. 16:13).

Jesus uses the title “Son of Man” for Himself. It was the most common designation Jesus used for Himself during His earthly ministry. The term “Son of Man” focuses on Jesus’ humanity. It is found some eighty times in the New Testament.

Jesus is fully human. Now, that is where liberalism likes to stop—Jesus is human. The clear teaching of Scripture is that not only is Jesus fully human; He is also fully God.

2. Jesus is fully God (Matt. 16:16, 17).

The title “Son of God” is used more than fifty times in the New Testament. What does the title “Son of God” tell us about Jesus and what He believed about Himself? The apostle John affirms that the term “Son of God” is a declaration of His deity in 1 John 5:20.

3. Jesus is the promised Messiah (Matt. 16:16).

The title Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew title Messiah. The Greek term Christos means “anointed” or “anointed one.” Notice that Peter says, “You are the Christ.” He puts the definite article in front of Christos, which is profound. He says to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the anointed One. You are the one prophesied in the Old Testament who would come to the nation Israel.” Jesus asked His disciples what people were saying about Him. Theories still abound concerning the identity of Jesus: good man, great teacher etc. All of them miss the point.
Jesus is the Christ: the Answer, the Final Word, the Savior of the world. He is in a class by Himself—only one Savior, only one Son of God. “You are the Messiah.” This is the one and only acceptable answer.

“Who do you say that I am.” The “you” is plural. Peter answers on behalf of the Twelve. Jesus still asks us that question today. How we answer it turns our lives, ministries, and destinies in one direction or another. We ought to say today with fuller clarity and conviction, “Jesus, you are the Son of Man, the Christ, the Son of God, the living One. The question is personal. It is directed to every man. Every man has to answer, and his eternal destiny depends upon his answer. A confession in His deity, a trusting of His saving grace.

Application
Jesus told Peter that God had revealed the great spiritual truth to him. Often we wonder where certain people get their insight, their faith. Jesus both did the work that enables our salvation and provides the means of our accepting it. As blind people need help to “see” the world, so spiritually dead people need help to find spiritual life. Jesus gives us that help. When it comes to bragging about your faith, brag about God. He is the one who gives us faith. Avoid churches and teachers who haven’t learned that Jesus is the Christ.

Let’s pray together
Heavenly Father, I thank you that You opened our eyes. As blind people needed help, You helped us Lord. Help us Lord to continue walk with you. In Jesus Name. Amen