City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“When Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples this question: ‘What are the people saying about me, the Son of Man? Who do they believe I am?’ They answered, ‘Some are convinced you are John the Baptizer, others say you are Elijah reincarnated, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you—who do you say that I am?’ Jesus asked. Simon Peter spoke up and said, ‘You are the Anointed One, the Son of the living God!’… He then gave his disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.”

Matthew 16:13-16, 20 (The Passion Translation)

Reflection

At this point, Jesus has preached to many crowds of a new way of living and of the kingdom of God, healed people of untouchable diseases, controlled the weather, and fed a large crowd with little resources (twice!). He had given hope to those who desperately needed it, whether they thought they did or not. He knew what others thought of Him: miracle worker, healer, prophet, potential revolutionary against the Romans. And yet He still asked His disciples, those who were closest to Him, who they believe He is.

It’s not that He didn’t already know their thoughts, like studying out loud (this method works for some) or reciting Scripture, moving the words from our heads to our mouths gives them validity and something solid to stand on. Simon Peter (he was the more aggressive one, he might have been like the kids in school who yelled out the answer instead of raising their hand) stated his faith out loud, and Jesus revealed the truth, one of the many ways He revealed, “I am He.” Jesus did not declare Himself as the Messiah until Simon Peter declared his faith in Him.

Application

Today, many religions say Jesus was just a prophet, only Christianity knows He is the Messiah. Who do you say He is? What has God promised you that you’re waiting and hoping for? He might be waiting for you to step out in faith, maybe even say it out loud. 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, You are Savior and Messiah, thank You for being who You are and for all You’ve done. If You are waiting for me to step out in faith, please grant me courage. In Your Name I pray, amen.