POPULAR PERCEPTION OF JESUS!

POPULAR PERCEPTION OF JESUS!

Matt 16:13-15

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

          The coasts of Caesarea Philippi were populated with an assortment of heathen worshippers. It was about 120 miles north of Jerusalem and one could find those who worshipped Baal, Pan, and Augustus Caesar. It was here that Jesus announced that he would not, at this time, establish His kingdom but he would build His church.

          The question Jesus asked was not based upon his arrogance because a proper understanding of the person of Jesus is essential to Salvation (Rom 10:9-10) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

          The last promise made in the Old Testament was that Elijah would come again (Malachi 4:5) and some thought that Jesus was the fulfillment of that promise but Jesus did not minister in the same way as Elijah. No, it was John the Baptist that fulfilled that promise (Luke 1:13-17).

          While too many people form their religion around a consensus of opinion, one must never do so in regard to Jesus. Peter’s confession was precise and it was personal. The important thing is not what others say, but what do you and I personally say?

Dear Lord, I know that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. AMEN