Who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 16:15.16

Jesus Christ had asked His disciples what people thought of Him. He hadn’t asked out of curiosity: the question had a definite purpose. The disciples were well informed and answered roughly as follows: “Some see John the Baptist in you; others consider you to be Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.”

People formed their opinion of Jesus of Nazareth at that time, and it is no different today. One person will say He was a good Man; another will concede that He was sent by God; a third might regard Him as a reformer who wished to improve the world.

“But what about you?” The Lord was not concerned about such superficial opinions. His first question and its answer merely led up to the second question: “But who do you say that I am?” This personal question penetrates to the heart. What other people think of Jesus is irrelevant. What matters is: what do I think of Him?

Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

That was not Peter’s opinion: it was a confession that came from his heart. That is what is decisive. Peter knew that Jesus was no mere man; the Master he followed was the promised Messiah. Jesus is the Redeemer, who was ordained to come – the Son of God indeed!

(to be concluded tomorrow)


Today’s reading: Exodus 2:16-3:6 · Luke 1:26-38