The Confession
Week 4 – Matthew 16:1-20:34
“Who do you say that I am?” Maybe the most compelling question ever asked, and Jesus asked it in such a way that it demands a personal response. It is not enough to know what others think about Jesus. The fact that He stands as the unique personality of all time calls us to take a closer look at just who He is. Perhaps Mark Twain had Jesus question in mind when he penned these words, “In religion and politics people’s beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing.” Concerning Jesus, second-hand knowledge just won’t do.
Peter knew the answer, and he delivered it with conviction – “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” But his conclusion wasn’t derived at through human intellect or wisdom. It was revealed to Him by God the Father. How else would he know the answer, and as far as that goes, how will we know the answer? It is far different than answering a question like, who was Abe Lincoln, or who is Tiger Woods. These are mere men, but Jesus, He is another story. Peter knew this, and he opened his mind to see Jesus through God’s eyes. When the question was directed at him, Peter made the confession that stands as the cornerstone of Christianity. What about you? What is your response?
4 Responses to “The Confession”
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These chapters have fallen into the same area as others–it seems as if they were rewritten when reading them after understanding the difference between the New Covenant and Old Covenant. Peter understood that Jesus was the Son of God, but I don’t think he realized what all that identity entailed. When Jesus started telling them about His death, Peter rebuked Him. He meant well, I suppose–just didn’t want to see someone he admired, die. I don’t think Peter realized he’d suddenly left the things of God, and went to the things of men. Jesus goes on to say if anyone desires to come after Christ, to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him. I’m assuming this is a metaphor. Not sure what to make of it, since the cross is a done deal. Is this applicable to Christian today? His cross is over. Is ours?
Another interesting read was when the disciples could not cast out the demon. Jesus said that particular kind only came out with fasting and prayer. It seems to indicate that this demon had a ‘special’ way of leaving. Jesus tells them they couldn’t do it, due to their unbelief, and then amends that by saying it had to be done a special way? Here’s another proverbial checkmark in my Bible. Nothing to lose sleep over, though.
18:36 was enough to make me go ‘hmmm’. The folks back in that day had a way for getting forgiveness–they did the whole bull and goat thing. However, it seems that if we don’t forgive our neighbor, God wont’ forgive us–sacrifice or not. Well ‘them” rather. (We’re on this side of the New Covenant)
All through these scriptures, Jesus is telling His disciples that He was going to soon be crucified. I think the disciples heard it, but didn’t get it. They wouldn’t’ get it, until after the Resurrection. Thankfully, Jesus had (and still has) large amounts of patience for His children.
“When the question was directed at him, Peter made the confession that stands as the cornerstone of Christianity. What about you? What is your response?”
Here is something to ponder. It is something that I am going through at this moment in searching for employment. In an interview there are certain questions that you
should be ready to respond to with an answer from the heart, and with some passion, that will convince the prospective employer that you will benefit their company. I was in a workshop where I was video taped and I could see how well I did.
Three questions you can be pretty sure of being asked are:
“What is your greatest strength?”;
“What is your greatest weakness?”;
“How do you handle conflict?”.
I stumble and stammered to put forward secular answers for these, and sounding as convincing as a two legged chair. Is trying to answers these questions and compromising my true belief the reason why I am having such a difficult time in these interviews? When you think about it, am I not being questioned just as Peter was?
I am going to start answering these on the basis of my faith in Jesus Christ. I am not going to be thumping the Bible over their heads, but I might just reply that I am a person who knows where I came from, who I am, why I am here, and where I am going. I can elaborate as necessary. If the person doing the interview uses it against me, so be it!
As a person who is born again, I am not going to be able to speak from the heart to answer these questions without acknowledging who Jesus Christ is in my life.
Until I actually apply the concept of stating Jesus as my foundational premise in my next interviews, I am not sure how big a difference it will make, but it will certainly be worth the attempt and to see people’s reaction to my answers.
hi Myles!
Kuddos for you and your decision! I had wrestled with that for a few years, as well. We are who we are, so we might as well confess it. Like you say, not Bible Thump anyone, but just the plain, “This is who I am”. How do we handle conflict? Through the Grace of God. Better the potential employer know that up front and make the decision as to whether or not it will cause a problem in the establishment, than higher you and everyone’s life be made miserable (for whatever reason)
God being God, He knows of our need even before we ask. Need a job? I have no doubt that God will lead you into something.
Who is Jesus? Jesus is God.
Who are we? Children of God.
Blessings!
Lisa
Thanks Lisa for your encouraging words. When I look at everything that has transpired in my life, it all is part of His plan. This period in my life may seem to others, and, unfortunately, at times to myself, to be one of loss, but that is only when I use the measures of this world. In reality it is a period of success, because Truth is being made clearer for me every day!