Who Do Men Say that I am? (Matthew 16:13-20 reflection)

Jesus asked, “Who do men say that I am?” If He asks you this question, would you know the answer? Discover the deep meaning behind this question as you read this blog!

A reflection on Matthew 16:13-20 who do men say that I am?

Every once in a while, Yahshua (also known as Jesus) poses a powerful question.

In one of his discussions with the disciples, he asked a very important question – a question, that if you know the right answer, would forever change the course of your life.

The question?

Here it is:

“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am” (Matthew 16:13)?

The same incident has been recorded in Mark 8:27-30 and Luke 9:18-20.

On the surface, the answer to this question should already be clear.

After all, by this time, Yahshua has already

  • healed hundreds of sick people,
  • fed thousands of men and women with a few pieces of fish and bread,
  • turned water into wine,
  • commanded wind and wave,
  • freed men from demons,
  • and done other impressive miracles.

However, it is just astounding to note how many people missed these signs.

Instead of recognizing who He is, the people got it wrong.

The Apostles answered what people say about Yahshua in verse 14.

So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

It is quite interesting how people have differing opinions of Yahshua.

Now, if you think about it, you might be asking, why would Yahshua ask this question?

After all, Yahshua is the discerner of hearts.

He knows what each person think.

Why ask such a question?

Is it to hear praise and affirmation from His disciples?

Obviously not.

He wants to use this moment to teach them a valuable lesson.

After doing a lot of preaching and miracles, what do people think about Him?

The disciples need the answer more than Yahshua.

Thus, Yahshua asked the same question, but now, He directed it to His disciples.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

The disciples had already said what other people say about Yahshua.

Now, it’s their turn.

The question is directed to them.

The ball is in their court now.

Peter stepped forward and said:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Peter’s answer was short but full of meaning.

It was clear, straight to the point, and to the purpose.

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I think no one of us could fully grasp the meaning of that answer by Peter.

Even Peter himself, in that point, he might not have been fully convinced yet with the magnitude of his answer.

His faith wasn’t that strong yet.

We would see later how he would deny his Master, not just once by thrice!

Nevertheless, Peter gave the right answer.

Others think that Yahshua is a prophet, but the disciples see Him as the greatest Prophet, the Priest, and the King.

He is no ordinary prophet.

He is the Christ – the Messiah, the Anointed One, the One who is destined to save mankind and offer salvation to all!

Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the One who is sent to make salvation available to all mankind.

Peter did not stop there.

He confessed that Yahshua is the Son of the Living God – not just any dumb, lifeless, and created idol.

But He is Son of the LIVING, ALMIGHTY, and SUPREME GOD of the whole universe!

Peter’s statement elevated Christ’s status.

He is not just any prophet of old.

Yahshua is greater than any who have lived and died on the face of the planet.

Why is it important to recognize Jesus’ divinity?

It is important because following Jesus demands that you accept His claim.

That you accept the fact that He is a God in the flesh, that He is actually the very SON of God.

With Peter knowing the fact that Yahshua is indeed the Son of the Living God, Yahshua made a pronouncement:

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).

What a joy to know the Son of God!

Yahshua blessed Peter for giving the right answer.

Peter wasn’t only blessed, but he is truly blessed with blessings coming straight from the mouth of the Messiah.

Notice as well that the knowledge of God is not naturally known by the flesh.

It can only be revealed by the Father Himself!

Now, how can we apply this in our lives as Christians today?

If we know and accept Yahshua as our Savior, then we are BLESSED.

When we seek a personal relationship with our Creator and Savior, we just made the initial steps toward the kingdom of God.

For that, we are blessed.

We are destined to live a blessed and extraordinary life.

You need to ask yourself:

Who is Yahshua in your life?

Is He simply a great teacher?

Is He simply Someone you remember when you need something?

Is He Someone you put at the back burner when everything is going according to plan?

You see, recognizing Yahshua as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, does not stop in just proclaiming it.

You need to couple it with actions that reflect your faith and belief.

Yes, Yahshua is the Christ and the Son of the Living God.

However, that fact is useless if you don’t let it change your life.

Take the steps today to become closer to the Almighty and Yahshua.

When you do, you will be blessed like Peter.

You will become a follower of Christ, a recipient of blessings, favor, and grace!

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