The Truth about Who Jesus Really Is
“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.” (Matthew 16:15-16)
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” This was the question asked by Jesus while walking in Caesarea Philippi, accompanied by His disciples (vs.13)
It was a question to summarize what people in society thought about Christ. Their response? “Some said He was John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (vs. 14). A man who proclaimed the words of God. A good person. A great moral teacher.
But then, to make His point, Christ asked a second question. “But who do you say that I am?” (vs. 14). The latter question was more pointed, but it underlined a crucial point.
It mattered less what ideas society had about the identity of Jesus. Instead, the discussion moved towards a more personal belief about who He was. This is what had the power to transform the hardened heart, the lost soul, and the sinful person.
This question was addressed to the individual, and the response is far more profound than mere intellect alone. Jesus was not looking for an answer that came from the teeth out. He was looking for something deeper, an answer from the heart.
This is not to neglect the value of studying and searching for answers. Surely for the truth to get into the heart, we must first encounter it in the mind. But it must not only exist there.
Instead, the question is much more personal, for our actions determine whether we truly believe God is who He says He is.
To further clarify, this question is not intended for us to determine who Jesus is. The truth stands firm whether we believe it or not. We could no sooner change the fact that there is ground to stand on or air to breathe. Our belief does not change facts, but it certainly does affect how we live.
What Jesus is asking here challenges us to decide whether we believe the truth about who Jesus is and if we will choose to walk in a way that supports this. Not by perfection, but through grace.
Simon Peter answered the question that day.
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (vs. 16).
This was His response.
The truth of Jesus’ identity is too powerful to reside in the human mind alone; It is intended to penetrate the very heart and soul of a person and transform their entire being. This knowledge is not reached by human understanding alone. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals the gospel to our hearts.
This is what is meant by the following verse:
“Blessed are you, Simon Bar- Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (vs. 17).
Our response to this question means everything to us.
Pastor and theologian A.W. Tozer wrote in his book, “The Knowledge of the Holy”:
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”[1]
He goes on to say:
“without doubt, the mightiest thought the mind can entertain is the thought of God, and the weightiest word in any language is its word for God.”[2]
It affects the course of our life. It impacts the lives around us. And it certainly gives an idea of where the church will stand in the days to come.
The world might say that Jesus was a good man with ideal morals.
But if we are to go deeper into the truth and know not just in our head but also in our hearts that He is God, we must come to terms with the fact that we will be at odds in society. And yet, we carry the most precious treasure in all the earth: the truth and companionship of our Saviour, for this, is where our purpose, identity, and the relationship we have with God are determined.
So who do you say Jesus is? Your answer changes everything for you.
And the truth itself? It is so powerful that it can never be overcome.
Blessings,
[1] Tozer, Aiden Wilson. The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life. Harper & Row, 1961.1.
[2] Tozer, 2.