The Question
Who is Jesus?
In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The responses from the disciples reflect a variety of opinions held by the people. Some say that Jesus is John the Baptist, others suggest that He is Elijah, and some believe He is Jeremiah or one of the prophets. These interpretations indicate that many see Jesus as a significant figure, possibly a prophet or a messenger of God, but they do not fully recognize His true identity as the Messiah. It is in this context that Peter declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," affirming the recognition of Jesus’ divine nature and mission. This passage reveals the differing perceptions of Jesus among the people and highlights the importance of understanding Him as the true Savior.
(ai summarized)
“ Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.”
