Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus said to his followers, "I am the Son of Man. Who do the people say I am?" The followers answered, "Some people say you are John the Baptizer. Other people say you are Elijah. And some people say that you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
—Matthew 16:13-14
Key Thought
As believers, we know who Jesus is in the Gospel of Matthew. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is the Christ. He is Lord. He is Son of God.
Isn't it amazing, however, how people in Jesus' own day tried to lump him in as just another great religious teacher very much like many try to do today. But human speculation can never live up to heavenly revelation. God has revealed himself in Jesus. We either accept God's definition of Jesus, or we reject both Jesus and God.
In an age and culture of pluralism, that sounds awfully closed minded. But neither our reputation nor our repudiation is of consequence in comparison with rejecting or accepting God's revelation about himself.
Today's Prayer
Holy and matchless God, thank you for your Sovereign choice to send Jesus as my Savior and Lord, your promised Messiah, the Christ. I boldly and unashamedly confess Jesus as Lord and thank you for sending him to save me from my sin and myself. Thank you so much in Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus said to his followers, "I am the Son of Man. Who do the people say I am?" The followers answered, "Some people say you are John the Baptizer. Other people say you are Elijah. And some people say that you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets. " Then Jesus said to his followers, "And who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered, "You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah. No person taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am. So I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. When you speak judgment here on earth, that judgment will be God's judgment. When you promise forgiveness here on earth, that forgiveness will be God's forgiveness." Then Jesus warned his followers not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.Matthew 16:13-20
Related Scripture Readings
Jesus is the only One who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save people. We must be saved through Jesus!" — Acts 4:12
A short time ago God called you to follow him. He called you through his grace (kindness) that came through Christ. But now I am amazed at you people! You are already turning away and believing something different from the Good News {we told you}. There is no other message that is good news. But some people are confusing you. They want to change the Good News about Christ. We told you the true Good News message. So if anyone tells you a different message, they should be condemned—even if it's one of us or even an angel from heaven! I said this before. Now I say it again: You have already accepted the Good News. If any person tells you another way to be saved, they should be condemned! — Galatians 1:6-9
Jesus answered, "I am the way. I am the truth and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. — John 14:6
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 16:13-14
Key Thought
As believers, we know who Jesus is in the Gospel of Matthew. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is the Christ. He is Lord. He is Son of God.
Isn't it amazing, however, how people in Jesus' own day tried to lump him in as just another great religious teacher very much like many try to do today. But human speculation can never live up to heavenly revelation. God has revealed himself in Jesus. We either accept God's definition of Jesus, or we reject both Jesus and God.
In an age and culture of pluralism, that sounds awfully closed minded. But neither our reputation nor our repudiation is of consequence in comparison with rejecting or accepting God's revelation about himself.
Today's Prayer
Holy and matchless God, thank you for your Sovereign choice to send Jesus as my Savior and Lord, your promised Messiah, the Christ. I boldly and unashamedly confess Jesus as Lord and thank you for sending him to save me from my sin and myself. Thank you so much in Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus said to his followers, "I am the Son of Man. Who do the people say I am?" The followers answered, "Some people say you are John the Baptizer. Other people say you are Elijah. And some people say that you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets. " Then Jesus said to his followers, "And who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered, "You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah. No person taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am. So I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. When you speak judgment here on earth, that judgment will be God's judgment. When you promise forgiveness here on earth, that forgiveness will be God's forgiveness." Then Jesus warned his followers not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.Matthew 16:13-20
Related Scripture Readings
Jesus is the only One who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save people. We must be saved through Jesus!" — Acts 4:12
A short time ago God called you to follow him. He called you through his grace (kindness) that came through Christ. But now I am amazed at you people! You are already turning away and believing something different from the Good News {we told you}. There is no other message that is good news. But some people are confusing you. They want to change the Good News about Christ. We told you the true Good News message. So if anyone tells you a different message, they should be condemned—even if it's one of us or even an angel from heaven! I said this before. Now I say it again: You have already accepted the Good News. If any person tells you another way to be saved, they should be condemned! — Galatians 1:6-9
Jesus answered, "I am the way. I am the truth and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. — John 14:6
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
