PETER’S CONFESSION Matt. 16:13-17
A Jot from John,
This great confession, which Simon Peter made near the close of Jesus personal ministry, is significant for a number of reasons, namely: It was the first one made: It is true that similar confessions of faith had been made: By the disciples when Jesus stilled the storm (Matt. 14:33), and by Nathanael on his first meeting with Jesus (John 1:49); but these confessions were less comprehensive; they were produced by wonders and founded on extraordinary display of power. Peter’s confession on this occasion was the expression in calmness of a settled conviction produced by a disclosure of the divine nature of Christ to the spiritual apprehension of the disciples. It was made at a critical time: At the time of Jesus’ unpopularity; in the hour of his loneliness and reversal; when the shades of the Jerusalem tragedy were closing about him. Unusual faith and courage on the part of the confessor were manifested. It is comprehensive in meaning: “Thou art the Christ,” the Messiah of Jewish prophecy and expectation. (Deut.18:18; Isa. 9:6; Jer. 23:5-6; Mic. 5:2). “Christ” (the Greek) and “Messiah” (the Hebrew) means the same – “The Anointed.” He is “The Son of the living God.” He is the brightness of the Father’s glory, the very image of his substance (Heb. 1:3-9; 1 Tim. 3:16). It won Jesus’ approval: “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah.” All who make this confession before men have the praise and approval of the Lord. All who refuse to make it incur the displeasure of heaven (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:10). It was revealed by the Father: “Flesh and blood (men) hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.” By living and working and speaking through the Christ, the Father revealed this sublime truth unto the disciples. Since “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God,” all that he taught is true and should be believed, every deed that he did was worthy and should be followed (Acts 10:38; 1 Pet. 2:21-23).
Onward Rejoicing,
John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
