In Pursuit of Man or the Messiah?
I want to discuss one of the more controversial verses found in the Scriptures. To be sure, there are many controversial statements buried within our Bible.
For me, it is these very verses that not only add to the legitimacy of the WORD, but also provide the greatest amount of spiritual growth.
Let's take a look at Matthew 16 : 13 -18
As a side note, Caesarea Philippi was very hostile territory. Let's be honest, nearly every territory was hostile towards JESUS and HIS disciples - even JESUS' hometown wasn't exactly a picture of acceptance. It was a Roman City that basked in the worship of Baal and Pan.
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?
Let me ask you . . .
- What do men say about JESUS? Who do they say HE is?
- What is your experience with sharing/discussing JESUS...at home or at work?
- KEY : What are you hearing and how does that affect your view of HIM?
14 And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
- All of these individuals played a part in ushering in or heralding the Coming Messiah - JESUS.
- Part of me has to wonder, if they were simply telling JESUS what they thought he wanted to hear.
- To be sure, the Pharisees and Sadducees were not as "kind" in their descriptions.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Here's the kicker . . .
- BUT "Who do Y O U say that I am?
- So who do YOU say that HE is?
- Are you letting those around you influence your understanding of HIM?
- More importantly JESUS wants to know what your understanding of HIM is!
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living GOD.
Here is the right answer!
- JESUS is not only the Christ or Messiah - literally "anointed one" BUT HE is also or equally the SON of the Living GOD ! ! !
17 And JESUS answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my FATHER which is in heaven.
- It was the HOLY SPIRIT at work here...revealing to Simon this very TRUTH.
- Interestingly enough it is this very declaration in Acts 2:22-47 that brought people to salvation!
- Focus on the message not the messenger - does it point to JESUS?
- Note 3000 thousand souls were saved that day!
- And some would say the "Church" blossomed that day : )
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
A lesson in Greek Grammar
- Peter here in the Greek is PETROS - it means rock. Grammatically it is Masculine.
- Strong's Greek #4074
- This rock [which JESUS is referring to] is PETRA - it means a literal rock as in a rock foundation. Grammatically it is Feminine; therefore it CANNOT be referring to Peter himself or literally.
- Strong's Greek #4073.
- It can however refer to the declaration that Peter made about JESUS - that HE is not only the Messiah but also the SON of the LIVING GOD!
- Who is promising to build the Church? JESUS said HE will build it! Not Peter!
A side note of the "Church"
- We get Church from the Greek word "EKKLAYSEIA"
- Strong's Greek #1577
- In a literal sense it means an assembly of people "who are called out"
It is YOU and I declaring JESUS ! ! !
The purpose of the CHURCH is quite simple
TO KNOW JESUS and to make HIM KNOWN
Funny how simple things become when we keep our eyes on HIM . . .
in the midst of controversy there is Peace!
I found this video and it says in 2 minutes what would probably take me 2 hours to explain . . . enjoy
"click on What is the Church"
May you be Blessed and encouraged by this teaching!
JESUS really does LOVE you . . . HIS Church!
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