When we took our trip to Israel a couple of years ago, amongst the many places we visited was a stop at Caesarea Philippi. This was a settlement at the foot of Mount Hermon where a spring forms the headwaters of the Jordan River. At the time of Jesus’ ministry, this area was called Panias and was dedicated to the worship of the Greek god Pan.
It is from this place of idol worship that Jesus asked his disciples a defining question: “Who do you say I am?” In other words, “Do you recognize me for who I really am, or am I just another object of worship like you see here? How do you discern my person, my teaching, and my miracles?”
Peter, inspired by God, responded by saying, “You are the Messiah” - that is, the Christ (“Anointed One”). Peter declared that Jesus was the anointed Son of God who came to bring the kingdom of God. Jesus came to restore all that is broken by sin.
As opposed to the various sacrifices and worship of these Greek gods that took place in this area, Jesus’ affirmation of Peter’s confession assure us that not even the gates of hell will be able to stand against that reality!
Yet the question that Jesus asked the disciples is the same one we all must answer: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
Grace & Peace,
Aaron
It is from this place of idol worship that Jesus asked his disciples a defining question: “Who do you say I am?” In other words, “Do you recognize me for who I really am, or am I just another object of worship like you see here? How do you discern my person, my teaching, and my miracles?”
Peter, inspired by God, responded by saying, “You are the Messiah” - that is, the Christ (“Anointed One”). Peter declared that Jesus was the anointed Son of God who came to bring the kingdom of God. Jesus came to restore all that is broken by sin.
As opposed to the various sacrifices and worship of these Greek gods that took place in this area, Jesus’ affirmation of Peter’s confession assure us that not even the gates of hell will be able to stand against that reality!
Yet the question that Jesus asked the disciples is the same one we all must answer: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
Grace & Peace,
Aaron
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