Photo: Anastacia Dvi
Matthew 16:13 "Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?'" 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
The Setting
In the shadow of Mount Hermon, amidst the ancient pagan stronghold of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus posed a question to his disciples that would define the essence of their faith and the identity of his church. This location, steeped in darkness and demonic influence, would set the stage for a profound revelation.
Here, Jesus underscored the contrast between the spiritual blindness of the world and the divine truth he was about to reveal, and where he sought to clarify his true identity. The question was not just about public opinion—it was a direct challenge to the spiritual powers at play there.
The People’s Responses
The disciples replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Jesus was depicted in various ways, but these were all incomplete views. Some saw him as a prophet, a mere messenger like John or Elijah, but no one saw him for who he truly was.
The Question of Identity
In response to the various opinions about His identity, Jesus continued: “But who do you say that I am?” This question was more penetrating, cutting to the core of the disciples' understanding and belief. The question is not about public opinion anymore, but about individual confession and faith. It is a question that still reverberates today—every person must answer this for themselves.
The Significance of the Confession
Peter’s reply was decisive and transformative: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16). This confession, as spoken by Peter, was to form the cornerstone of the true church of Jesus Christ.
The Christ
The Christ was the expected deliverer to come from the line of David, to establish God’s kingdom on earth, and to bring justice and peace. He would fulfil prophecies such as found in Isaiah 9:6-7, Psalm 2:1-12, Ezekiel 34:23-24, among others.
Peter was not just identifying Jesus as a political or religious leader; he was proclaiming Jesus as the one who would fulfil all the messianic promises. Peter, under divine revelation, confirmed that Jesus was the fulfilment of these prophecies.
The Son of the Living God
Peter’s confession did not stop at acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah. He went further, declaring him to be the Son of the Living God. This is where the confession acquires a deeper, more radical meaning.
In the Old Testament, figures like Adam and David were referred to as sons of God, but this spoke of their roles as representatives of God’s rule.
Jesus, however, was the unique Son of God, God himself in the flesh. This understanding goes beyond just being a king or prophet—it confirms Jesus’ divine nature and oneness with God.
Theological Significance
This confession acknowledges Jesus' divinity. He is not just a great man or a prophet, but the eternal Son of God. Scriptures like John 1:1-3, 14 and Proverbs 30:4 point to the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son, who is of the same essence as the Father.
The Implications
If Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) and the Son of the Living God, then there are no alternatives. There can be no other messiahs, no other gods.
This makes interfaith worship, such as praying with those who deny Jesus’ divinity, fundamentally unacceptable. As believers in Christ, we cannot worship the same God as those who deny Jesus' deity. Our God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ—there is no other God.
Islam, for example, acknowledges Jesus as a prophet, but denies his divinity and Sonship.
Judaism rejects Jesus altogether, often considering him a false prophet or worse.
How then can Christians, who confess Jesus as Lord and God, engage in joint worship with people holding such beliefs?
The Irreducible Confession of the Church
For the church to be the true church of God, it must adhere to this irreducible confession:
- Jesus is the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One who will rule over God’s eternal kingdom.
- Jesus is the Son of the Living God, fully divine, equal with the Father, and the only Saviour of the world.
This confession is the bedrock of the Christian faith. Without it, there is no church, no gospel, and no salvation.
Looking Ahead
May we, as the church, hold fast to this irreducible confession in the face of a world that offers many false beliefs. May we boldly proclaim:
"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
It is through this confession that the true church stands distinct from the world and faithfully represents the kingdom of God.
Call to Action
As you reflect on this confession, consider how it shapes your understanding of Jesus, the true church, and your own faith.
Are you ready to uphold this truth with conviction, even in a world that offers many alternatives?
Write down your thoughts and insights.