Jesus’ private conference/retreat with his disciples about himself in the famous gospel Matthew 16 is not just a theological or philosophical debate, but a means of experiencing and living God’s Redemption At Christ Expense (GRACE). The question Jesus asked his disciples resonates with us today as a key point to God’s plan for our salvation and hope of eternal life.  It is beyond the ‘Sunday Jesus’ experience and routine of singing and talking for one or two hours.  Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” The common view and response by the disciples was that Jesus was one of the great prophets come back to life. Peter, however, confessed Jesus as divine and as the promised and long awaited Messiah. Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” point to the cornerstone of Christianity and conversion (Matt 16:16).

 

Peter provides us the basic confession of Christian faith and summons us to recognise and live the truth that Jesus is ‘the Messiah, the Son of the living God,’ which is beyond our weekly experience of ‘Sunday Jesus.’ To be the Christ or Messiah is to be the One Who performs certain unique functions in the history of the human race and the lives of individual human beings. Jesus’ response to Peter’s confession suggests the importance of our personal relationship with God. Jesus said, “This truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven.” The truth about our salvation goes beyond human wisdom (flesh and blood) and philosophy. It is our personal relationship with God that brightens our understanding of Him. The truth of Christ as the Anointed Saviour is vital to the Church mission and if Christ is not the Saviour of all mankind, our world is hopeless. The central theme of the Christian gospel is the salvation of God. Salvation delivers the believer from the wrath of God, the dominion of sin, and the power of death (Romans 1:18; 3:9; 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

 

Jesus is a Person (second Person of the Trinity), fully human, fully God hence, to truly answer the question “Who is Jesus?” we must enter into a relationship with him. To answer the question we must know, choose and follow Jesus like Peter did. Peter’s answer provides insight to the difference between intellectual assent and saving faith, a gift of God. One of the basic problem today is about many people who know about Jesus and even attend church but have never allowed the facts about Jesus’ identity as the Saviour to become their personal reality (Jn 3:16).  There is difference between head knowledge without allowing the truth to penetrate our hearts hence, many people honour God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. They worship God in vain; ‘their teachings are merely human rules’ (Matt 15:8-9).

 

The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone (1 Pet 2:4-6). All believers are joined into this church by faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Redeemer, the same faith that Peter expressed and lived. It is faith like Peter’s that is the foundation of Christ’s kingdom. Beyond the teachings of the church, doing good things for others and even knowing biblical facts, Christianity is more about a relationship, a relationship between God and us. It is the truth about Jesus as the Son of God that makes the church his body and bride. Without the faith and confession of Jesus as the Son of God, any particular church ‘ceases to be a part of Christ’s church, and relapses to the state and character of infidelity.’ Jesus is our heavenly vision. He is seated at the right hand of God in heavenly places yet breaks through the barriers of our natural minds with his supernatural presence. Jesus is the true vine, the productive shoot from the vine of Israel which produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, and faith (Jn 15:1-2). Jesus is the uniter, the testator, the treasure, the perfect One sent by God to make a will which gives all the promises of God as the rich inheritance to any who would believe in him. Jesus Christ is the church’s one foundation; everything hinges upon Him. He is our Saviour, Judge, Advocate, Creator, and a Stumbling Stone and Rock of offence to those who do not believe.

 

Jesus’ question that demands our confession is more about our heart. It is about witnessing and testifying to God’s life, love, and presence in our lives and the world. If Jesus asked you this question, how would you answer? Is he your Lord and Messiah? Remember, Jesus question is a question to be lived and telling others about.

Let us pray for the grace to be able to live Jesus’ question and the power to tell others about HIM.