As Jesus and the Disciples are in the area of Caesarea Philippi, He asks them a question. At first, it seems to be just a simple, straightforward question but we can be assured that Jesus has a profound purpose in asking it.
1. He did not ask it to gain information because He already knew the answer.
John 2:25 “And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."
2. He did not ask it because He was so very concerned with what people thought of Him.
He asked them in order to
1. Give the disciples the opportunity to express their faith.
2. Open the door for further teaching.
3. More clearly emphasize the truth of His identity by contrast with the false.
The Truth: Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God
1. Apprehends the Mission of Christ—to be God’s anointed messenger
2. Apprehends the Divinity of Christ—the Son of the Living God
The False Ideas:
1. There are many differences of opinion.
John the Baptist: Elias; Jeremiah, or one of the prophets
2. All are respectful and positive.
3. All are inadequate opinions.
4. Not enough just to have a good opinion of Jesus—we must have the right opinion that can come only by revelation of the Spirit.
5. Opinions are formed based on human factors; revelation comes from God
