“THE FINAL EXAM”
“But who do you say that I am?”
By Rev. Dan Minor
Matthew 16:15
As our Lord came near the end of His days on earth, He gave His disciples a final exam. They had been with Him for nearly three years and it was time for Him to know where they stood with Him.
Jesus’ presence at a place called Caesarea Philippi was a watershed moment for Him. From that point on He would talk about His coming suffering and death. The questions He asked them were as follows:
Question #1 “Who do people say that I am?”
Answer: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets”
Question #2 “But who do YOU say that I am?”
“Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the son of the living God’”
Jesus knew that Peter’s words did not come from himself. He knew they came from God. Jesus blessed his response and changed his name from Simon (“to hear or listen’) to Peter (“stone” or “rock.”) Jesus said the church would be founded by believers with rock-like faith. Peter’s confession is the first recorded statement of faith in our living Savior.
Jesus said, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32 – The New King James Version).
The question is not what others think of Jesus. What matters most is what we think of Him.
Who do you say that He is?
Prayer
Dear Lord, I profess You as my Savior and Lord. In Your strong name. Amen.