Is Jesus the Messiah?
Jesus has been teaching his disciples what the kingdom of God looks like. He has brought in God's reign in all kinds of ways. Healing the sick, casting out demons, and even calming the wind and the waves. But all this would be for nought, if it didn't lead them to understand Jesus' true identity. The signs he performs point to something. If they are only signs, it will never lead anyone to who Jesus is and what He brings.
So on the way to the next location of ministry, Jesus asks them, "Who do people say that I am?"The general consensus was that Jesus was a good teacher and prophet. And yet, all the prophets were meant to lead people to the Messiah. The people saw the signs but missed where they were pointed, the Messiah. So Jesus decides to check in with the disciples to see if they are getting it. And true to form Peter is the first to answer. Usually when Peter is the first to speak, he puts his foot into his mouth. But on this day he gets it right. He recognizes who Jesus really is. And in another version Jesus says, "Blessed are you Peter because this was not revealed to you by men but by God!" All along God the Father was revealing His identity through God the Son, and now it is time to reveal His true mission. For Jesus came not just to reveal God's kingdom here on earth, but also in heaven.
Isn't it interesting that today the general consensus is that Jesus really is a good teacher, or even a prophet. And of course he is, but he is much more. Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, and this is why was put to death. So when it comes to determine Jesus' true identity, either He is the Messiah or a liar. Why? Because he claimed to be the Messiah and was crucified for it. Then, the bible says he rose from the dead. And again, either he did or he didn't. Either he was alive after three days and appeared to his disciples, or he stayed in the grave. There really are no other options. So in the end, either Jesus is the Messiah, or someone else. As a well known apologist has said, "Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic or Lord. But let us not say he was only a prophet or good teacher, he didn't leave us that option."
So Peter got it right! And the question is how will we answer that question? We have evidence that demands a verdict? God has done everything possible to show His great love for you, including sending His only Son to die for you. The only question is will you accept this great gift by faith, or trust in something else. I hope and pray you can say like Peter, "You are the Messiah the Son of the living God."
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah Mark 8
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
So on the way to the next location of ministry, Jesus asks them, "Who do people say that I am?"The general consensus was that Jesus was a good teacher and prophet. And yet, all the prophets were meant to lead people to the Messiah. The people saw the signs but missed where they were pointed, the Messiah. So Jesus decides to check in with the disciples to see if they are getting it. And true to form Peter is the first to answer. Usually when Peter is the first to speak, he puts his foot into his mouth. But on this day he gets it right. He recognizes who Jesus really is. And in another version Jesus says, "Blessed are you Peter because this was not revealed to you by men but by God!" All along God the Father was revealing His identity through God the Son, and now it is time to reveal His true mission. For Jesus came not just to reveal God's kingdom here on earth, but also in heaven.
Isn't it interesting that today the general consensus is that Jesus really is a good teacher, or even a prophet. And of course he is, but he is much more. Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, and this is why was put to death. So when it comes to determine Jesus' true identity, either He is the Messiah or a liar. Why? Because he claimed to be the Messiah and was crucified for it. Then, the bible says he rose from the dead. And again, either he did or he didn't. Either he was alive after three days and appeared to his disciples, or he stayed in the grave. There really are no other options. So in the end, either Jesus is the Messiah, or someone else. As a well known apologist has said, "Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic or Lord. But let us not say he was only a prophet or good teacher, he didn't leave us that option."
So Peter got it right! And the question is how will we answer that question? We have evidence that demands a verdict? God has done everything possible to show His great love for you, including sending His only Son to die for you. The only question is will you accept this great gift by faith, or trust in something else. I hope and pray you can say like Peter, "You are the Messiah the Son of the living God."
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah Mark 8
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
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