Sermon Central
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Knowing Christ
Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 5, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus led the disciples to a deeper understanding of His identity, His purpose in coming into this world, and His plan for the building of His church.
Matt 16:13-20 Knowing Christ
13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
20Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
We just read an important conversation where Jesus asked His disciples WHO they think He is. It was at a time when most people were still very confused as to His identity.
• Peter uttered the classic and now famous line: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (16:16)
• Jesus responded that it was not Peter’s good observation or insight that gave him the answer. It was a revelation from God the Father.
• Peter received help from God, just as we did when we came to know Christ.
This passage tells us of 3 revelations.
• 16:17 – The Father helping Peter know Christ.
• 16:18 – Jesus tells Peter that He will build His church.
• 16:21 - Jesus reveals His impending death and resurrection after this conversation.
Just like to share these 3 points today from this passage – the importance of:
• KNOWING HIS PERSON: “The Christ, the Son of the Living God” (v.16)
• KNOWING HIS PURPOSE: His death and resurrection (v.21)
• KNOWING HIS PLAN: “I will build My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (v.18)
1. KNOWING HIS PERSON – “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus started by asking His disciples: “Who do people say that I am?” (16:13)
• They gave many different answers because the people did not know and they were guessing, just like many today.
• Some said he might be the reincarnated John the Baptist, or the spirit of the prophets of old like Elijah or Jeremiah.
They were not true. Jesus went on to ask the more important question: “Who do you say that I am?” (16:15)
• It was directed to the disciples and it’s personal. Who am I to you? The world may have many guesses, but what about you?
• The disciples had been with Jesus for some time and this is a good test.
• They had heard Jesus preach about the Kingdom of Heaven. They had seen the miracles He performed, including the raising of a widow’s son in Nain, the calming of a storm, the casting out of demons from a man in Gerasenes, and the feeding of 5,000.
After hearing and seeing Jesus for some time now, who is Jesus Christ?
• It is important because the answer to this question can change their lives.
• As it did to us if you are a Christian today and have also believed in Jesus Christ.
Peter proclaimed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (16:16)
• “Christ” is the Greek word for the Hebrew “Messiah” meaning the Anointed One.
• He is the Son of the living God, and in short, divine. He is not of this world.
16:17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
• It wasn’t Peter’s wisdom or insight that gave him the answer, it was revealed to him by God the Father who is in heaven.
• Rightly so. As the Son of the living God, it is most correct to have the living God introducing His Son to us.
• No one knows the Son except the Father, who has been with the Son from the beginning.
• John said it beautifully in John 1:1-2, “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God.”
It cannot be a knowledge that originates from “flesh and blood” - a common Jewish phrase meaning mortal man. If He is divine, then it cannot come from mortal man.
• It can only come from the Father in heaven. And it is God’s desire for all people to come to know His Son and believe Him.
