Finally! The
disciples get it! At least for this Sunday! It came at a crucial time in our
Lord’s public ministry. His focus was
set on Jerusalem. Where He would complete His work of redemption. He was set to
suffer many things. For your salvation.
Our Lord is at
a critical location in His ministry. Caesarea Philippi was a Gentile city.
Built by Herod’s son, Philip. In honor of Caesar. Jesus stood in a pagan
region. Where false deities and their supporters abound. Critical also were His
companions. The disciples were personally selected and taught by Jesus. They
had witnessed every aspect of His public ministry.
The Lord asked
two important questions. At this moment. In this location. Of His disciples. The answers to the
questions were important. For them. And for His followers today; the first
question was addressed to the disciples, “who
do men say the Son of Man is?” (V.13)
The second question was addressed once again to the disciples. “But you,
who do you, say I am?” (V.15)
And now, the
critical question is addressed to each of us, “You, who do you, say that I am?”
We can answer
the question only through the intervention of the Holy Spirit in your life. The
Spirit’s means are Word and Sacrament.
They come to the troubled heart of the sinner. The saving faith freely
given by God leads each one of us to confess: “You are the Christ, the Son of
the Living God.”
The source of
our confession and our actions is the faith the Spirit gives us. Because Jesus is the Christ. Your sins are
forgiven. Because Jesus is the Christ. You are empowered to live a new life.
Because Jesus is the Christ. You have the sure certainty of eternal life.
So. What do you think of Jesus? Who is He? The
answer to this question defines your identity. It determines your destiny.
The illustration above carries the title of our Lord:
the Anointed One, or, in Greek, ὁΧριστός, the Christ. Copyright © Ed Riojas,
Higher Things
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