Matthew 16: 13-20 “Who Do You Say I Am”
INTRODUCTION
During the past four weeks, we have been attempting to pose questions rather than provide answers. It is helpful at times to ask ourselves hard questions. They help us get our bearings and make sure that we are headed along the path that we want to walk to achieve the goals to which we feel called. The questions we have asked have been, “Where are you?” “What have you done?” and “Where is your brother/sister/neighbor?” Today we ponder the question, “Who do you say that I am?”
THE SETTING
Jesus asked his disciples this question when they were at Caesarea Philippi. Caesarea Philippi was the farthest point north from Jerusalem. It was the place were several contrasting religions—Canaanite (Baal), Egyptian, Greek and Roman—had places of worship. This story also took place just before Jesus turned south and headed toward Jerusalem and his destiny.
Jesus first asks who the people think he may be. The disciples answer that people are speculating that Jesus might be the reincarnation of John the Baptist, Elijah, who was prophesized to precede the Messiah, or one of Israel’s great prophet. No one had figured out that Jesus might be the Messiah, because Jesus was so different from the Messiah that they were expecting.
After listening to what the people around the countryside thought of him, Jesus asks his disciples, “And who do you say that I am?” They are silent except for Peter who says, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.” Peter had been walking with Jesus for three years, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, it is finally revealed to Peter who Jesus really is—the Messiah for whom Israel has been waiting.
THE CONFESSION
There was a greater difference between the fact that Peter made a confession and the general populous conjured up mere speculation. Along with Peter’s proclamation that Jesus was the Christ came the commitment to follow Jesus as one of his disciples. The speculation of the people cost them nothing and affected their lives very little. Peter’s confession (and the confession of the church that followed) cost him everything and changed his life completely.
Today we can follow the example of the people and only speculate who Jesus might be—keeping an open mind for other possibilities. We can worship God, sing song of praise, and listen to sermons and prayers, while hesitating to make a commitment—wanting to keep our options open. Without the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord, and the commitment to become his disciple, there is little or no motivation to commit our time, talents, or treasures to his service—let alone our lives.
If we are brothers and sisters of Peter, though, we receive the revelation that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God; that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. We also open ourselves to the life changing possibilities that such a confession opens to us and commit ourselves to live in its reality by committing our lives—time, talents, and treasures to loving love God, serving and neighbor, and experiencing the abundant life that is ours.
Who we say that God is, by our words and actions, makes a huge difference in how we live out our lives.
OTHER NAMES FOR GOD
Peter experienced Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Throughout the Scriptures God has revealed himself to people differently, and touched their lives in a variety of ways.
• For the Psalmist, God was a good shepherd who led him to green pastures, cool streams and walk with him through the valley of the shadow of death.
• In Psalm 46, the writer sees God as his refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
• Several times in the Old Testament the Lord is referred to as God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth.
• The prophet Isaiah writes that the Messiah will be titled, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.”
• The name Jesus or Joshua can be translated, “God saves.”
• Jesus is called Emmanuel, or “God with us.”
Each of us has experienced God in our lives in different ways.
• God is our provider giving us our daily bread
• God is our comport, surrounding us with his love in times of grief
• God is our peace, calming the storms of our lives, walking with us through troubled times, and giving us the strength to both persevere and overcome.
CONCLUSION
Who do you say that God is? If he is your Lord and Savior, then commit your life to him and offer your time, talents and treasures as your living sacrifice. If God is your provider, comfort, or peace, than give of your time, talents and treasures so that you, Desert Streams, and the larger church can be provider, comfort and peace to the people around us.
No one can answer this question for you. You cannot poll the crowd and go with the largest response. This question, like the other three, is questions you must answer yourself and allow your confession to direct the path of your life.
Amen
