The Great Declaration
“13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-17
The Great Declaration
Caesarea Philippi was known as a center of pagan celebrations and worship. A natural waterfall and associated pool provided the setting for Greco-Roman styled carousing. Jesus withdrew from the Jewish areas, giving an opportunity to prepare Himself and the disciples for His triumphant entry, crucifixion and resurrection. In this pagan setting, on the verge of the most important moment in human and eternal history, Jesus tests the disciples by posing this question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” As with many theological debates, the prevailing winds of the day reflect a variety of possibilities: “John, Elijah, Jeremiah or some other Old Testament prophet.” Jesus’ initial question and the disciples’ answers follow a more academic approach, a sort of polling to determine the mood of the culture about the Son of Man. The second question is far more personal. In the first He refers to Himself in a distant, third-person manner – “the Son of Man” and He refers to the opinions of others in a distant, third-person manner – “people.” The second question gets intensely personal on two fronts. Jesus refers to Himself in the first-person as “I am” and to the disciples in the direct and second-person manner as “you.” This is the natural progression when it comes to the person of Christ. Every person on the planet must grapple with His identity. It often begins in a rather academic manner. The individual hears about Christianity through a friend or radio program or through a book or maybe they attend a church. They begin to contemplate the nature of religion in general, and the claims of Jesus in particular. However, no one can remain at a distance. Jesus does not intend for us to function in this third-person manner. Ultimately the identity of Jesus Christ is intensely personal. It is impossible to be a Christian from a distance. Christ calls us in close. He calls us personally. He calls us to a commitment of thought and life. “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter’s response is especially striking in light of the location of their discussion – walking among the idolatrous statutes representing dead religions and dead gods in Caesarea Philippi. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is the defining issue of our day. Religious debates will rage. What religion best represents humanity before God? This question will rage but it misses the point. The question is not “what is the best way for us to reach God?” The question is “what has God done to reach down to us?” Religion pursues God on our terms. Jesus Christ pursues us on God’s terms. That is why Simon’s confession must become the confession of each and every person. This confession goes beyond a mere intellectual ascent. This confession goes beyond religious posturing. The implication is clear. Our only means to a relationship with the living God is through His resurrected Son. The relationship God makes with us through Christ creates a natural response on our part. If Jesus really is the Christ, the Son of the living God, our intense, personal loyalty must follow that confession. Jesus Christ is the living Son of God, crucified and risen again from the dead. He demands my unending worship and loyalty.