Matthew 16: 13-20
Jesus had been using the term “the Son of Man” a number of times as recorded by Matthew. I think the reason was because the term emphasized His humanity as He ministered to people in a relational way, and I think He used the term since it had a more gentle tone as He dealt with mounting opposition by religious leaders.
Once when engaged in a study from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, I noticed the term “son of man” was frequently used as God addressed Ezekiel. Yet Jesus referred to Himself as “the Son of Man.”
Here in this passage, in the wake of being confronted by Pharisees and teachers of the law a number of times, ministering in a port town away from the home of many religious leaders, Jesus asks His disciples a pinnacle question regarding His identity: “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered correctly.
Jesus is the Christ!
Jesus is the Christ, which is the Greek word for Anointed One.
Jesus is the Messiah, which is the Hebrew word for Anointed One.
The church of Jesus is on the rock of faith that Jesus is the Anointed One!
Peter did not become a vicar of Christ in the world. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Peter remained an apostle, and he remained the leader of the apostles. A vicar was not necessary since Jesus gave all believers the gift of the Holy Spirit. We can even garner this from his own writings which are Scripture. For example, Peter himself wrote of Jesus being “the living Stone” (I Peter 2:4).
We should give heed to Peter’s words: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18) (NIV).
This week I am going to post a sermon I offered in September for Fellowship at Morrison Chapel which elaborates on the nature of the Messiah.
Here I conclude with the fundamental fact that Jesus is the Messiah.
The Christ has come!!! We need to tell everyone!
Hunter Irvine
