#3 WHO HE CLAIMED TO BE

Peter’s Great Confession happened in an unlikely place. After a lengthy journey, Jesus and his disciples arrived at Caesarea Philippi in the far north of Israel. This was the location of pagan temples. It is possible the entire incident happened within sight of those pagan temples. It is nearing the end of Jesus’ ministry. Matthew 16:13-20 tells of a key incident. Jesus begins by asking his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” In this case, it is clear he is using the term “Son of Man” to refer to himself. The disciples answer by offering a variety of names. It appears they offer more names than Matthew records. They name John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Jesus responds by asking the most important question that can be asked. “Who do you say I am?” Instead of the whole group responding as before, Peter offers his answer. “You are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus replies that Peter’s answer was revealed to him by his Father in heaven. Jesus ends his reply by ordering his disciples not to tell anyone he is the Messiah.