"Now when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ."
This passage from Matthew's Gospel presents a pivotal moment in the lives of Jesus' disciples. Jesus, recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of his identity, poses a profound question: "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
The disciples, reflecting the prevailing religious and cultural discourse of their time, offer a variety of answers, ranging from prominent figures like John the Baptist and Elijah to the broader category of "one of the prophets." These responses, while acknowledging Jesus' significance, fall short of grasping the true magnitude of his person and purpose.
Then comes the pivotal response from Simon Peter: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This declaration, born not from human wisdom or observation but from divine revelation, marks a turning point. Peter, recognizing Jesus not merely as a great teacher or prophet, but as the Messiah, the long-awaited deliverer promised by the Old Testament, acknowledges his true divinity.
Jesus' response to Peter is both affirming and profound. He declares Peter blessed, recognizing that this understanding has not come from human reasoning but from a revelation from God the Father. This highlights the supernatural nature of faith, a gift of grace that transcends human comprehension.
Furthermore, Jesus builds upon Peter's confession, declaring that he will build his church upon this foundational truth – the recognition of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. This rock, this cornerstone, is not Peter himself, but the truth he has confessed. The church, the community of believers, is to be built upon this unyielding foundation, a truth that will withstand the forces of evil and the gates of hell.
The promise of the keys of the kingdom of heaven underscores the authority and power entrusted to the church. The ability to bind and loose, to declare things bound or unbound in heaven, signifies the church's role in proclaiming God's will and administering his kingdom on earth.
This passage raises several critical questions about the identity of Jesus:
1. Who is Jesus according to the Scriptures?
The Old Testament, through prophecies and foreshadowings, points to the coming Messiah, a deliverer who would bring salvation to God's people. These prophecies describe a figure who is both fully God and fully human, a unique combination that defies human understanding.
God: The Old Testament consistently presents God as the creator and sustainer of the universe, transcendent and holy. Yet, numerous passages point to God's immanence, his desire to dwell with his people.
Human: The Old Testament emphasizes the importance of humanity, created in the image of God. Yet, human nature is marred by sin, leading to separation from God.
Jesus Christ uniquely fulfills these seemingly contradictory aspects. He is:
God:
Creator: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:1-3)
Eternal: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Human:
Born of a woman: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
Experienced human limitations: "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)
This unique combination of divinity and humanity is a central tenet of Christian faith. Jesus, as the Son of God, is both fully God and fully human, bridging the gap between heaven and earth.
2. What is the significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?
Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are not merely historical events; they are the foundation of Christian faith and the source of salvation.
Life: Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to God's will, demonstrating the true meaning of love, compassion, and forgiveness. He challenged religious and social norms, offering a radical message of love and grace for all people.
Death: Jesus willingly sacrificed his life on the cross, bearing the penalty for the sins of humanity. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Through his death, he broke the power of sin and death, offering the possibility of reconciliation with God.
Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It confirms his divinity and guarantees the reality of eternal life for all who believe in him. "For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His." (Romans 6:5)
The significance of these events lies in their transformative power. Through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can experience:
Forgiveness of sins: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Reconciliation with God: "Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" (Romans 5:9)
Eternal life: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25)
Transformation of life: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
3. How does Jesus impact our lives today?
Jesus Christ continues to be a living reality in the lives of believers today. He offers:
Guidance and direction: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Strength and comfort: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Hope and purpose: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Community and belonging: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Conclusion
The question "Who is Jesus?" remains central to the Christian faith. The answer, as Peter declared, is that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This truth, this rock, is the foundation upon which the church is built.
Jesus Christ, through his life, death, and resurrection, offers salvation, hope, and transformation to all who believe. He calls us to follow him, to live lives of love, compassion, and service.
In the words of the Apostle Paul: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
May we all seek to know Jesus Christ more deeply, to experience the transformative power of his grace, and to share the good news of his love with the world.
Note: This sermon provides a foundational understanding of who Jesus is. It is important to continue to study the Scriptures and engage in ongoing theological reflection to deepen our understanding of this profound mystery.
