Declared by Peter

February 14, 2010

Background Scripture: Matthew 16:13 – 27
Lesson Passage: Matthew 16:13 – 27

Today’s lesson is a continuation of the study of the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah in the Gentile regions. Although the setting of this lesson is outside of Jewish territory, it is, however, Peter who makes the confession of Jesus’ identity. It is of interest that Jesus would pose the question concerning the rumors of his identity to his disciples. It should also be noted that he did it while they traveled through Gentile rather than Jewish territory. He asked them, What are people saying about me or rather, who do they say that I am? Herod the tetrarch told his servants that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead and the miracles were a result of his resurrection. Here, the disciples repeat that rumor in response to Jesus’ question. Other rumors suggested that Jesus was one of the prophets of the Old Testament who had not been heard from in hundreds of years. There didn’t appear to be any rumors that Jesus just might be a totally new prophet rather than a resurrected one from the past. Nevertheless, Jesus then made the question very personal and asked them who they thought he was. Again it is of note that Jesus would pose these questions to his disciples concerning the rumors about him. The second question is one that separates rumors or the opinions of others from personal belief. If one is going to follow Jesus you should have an inkling of who you think this person is that you are following. A person’s commitment to Jesus cannot be based on the rumors of others. Our level of commitment to and willingness to serve someone is based on what we think about the person. We cannot base those things on what others think about the person. Personal devotion and submission is according to personal belief and not popular opinion. Perhaps the underlying question that Jesus was posing to his disciples was, Why are you following me? Who do you think I am that would cause you to follow me? Is it because of what others say about me? Peter’s answer to the personal question came by way of revelation from God. Only God reveals Jesus’ true identity. Everyone who has come to believe in Jesus and put their trust in him to save them from their sin has done so because God opened up their understanding of Jesus’ identity. Peter’s answer was not the result of some fact-finding expedition or logical conclusion based on personal insight. God revealed Jesus’ identity to Peter. Jesus declared Peter to be blessed because of what God had shared with him. Then Jesus revealed a greater revelation to them at that point. It was the mystery of the church which had been hidden in God since before creation. Before God created a man he had provided a plan of salvation as a necessary provision because of man’s sin and subsequent separation from him. The church would have a foundation and one of those that would be instrumental in laying that foundation would be Peter. So Jesus did not call them to follow him just to witness the miracles he performed and for them to feel popular among their peers. They would be some of the architects of the church’s foundation. Their preaching would extend the invitation to whosoever will come to Christ for salvation. As exciting and confusing as this must have been to them, the greatest confusion was accepting the price that would be paid for it. Jesus Christ is indeed the son of God and Peter declared it.

Robert C. Hudson
February 2, 2010