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TEXT: MATTHEW 16:13-19
A Critical Turning Point:
Matthew 16 marks critical turning point in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
It was a time of Transition for Jesus ministry. He had to know whether the group of followers understood who their Master was. And in a spiritual sense, I believe our church is moving into a transition. As such we must answer the question personally and as a church: “Who do you say I am?”
1. A CHALLENGING QUESTION
In General: Jesus then asks the disciples, “Who do they say that I am?” This is where the rubber meets the road folks! The answer given: You are Elijah; others say John the Baptist, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. It’s always been this way; Jesus as seen by the people is seen in so many different ways.
In Personal: “Who do you say I am?” Jesus wanted his followers to acknowledge who He really was to them. Could they see beyond His humanity into His Divinity? That beyond their master was their Messiah.
2. A CRUCIAL CONFESSION
And when Peter answers here, he is not speaking simply for himself, but for all the disciples. His answer is very, specific. “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Jesus knew that Peter didn’t come to this conclusion on his own; it took a supernatural revelation from God, Himself. It takes an act of the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth. He knew it was time for deeper training of the disciples.
Christians need to know precisely who Jesus is according to the Scriptures. And why is this so? It’s because the church can rise no higher than the level of our confession of faith.
3. A CHANGE OF NAME
Jesus renames Simon and calls him Peter. Notice Jesus changed Peter’s name from Simon to Peter the rock. Name changes in the Bible always mark very significant events and big changes in relationship with God. The change of name signifies of change of relationship, a commitment to a new life.
4. A CHURCH IS BUILT
· The church is the only thing God ever had to buy.
God created everything else, but the church cost Him dearly! We are privileged beyond measure to be part of the Church of the Living God!
· The Church shall ever be strong, victorious and eternal for it is built on sure foundation, Jesus Christ. He is the foundation, the Founder, the Author and the Perfector of our faith!
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