Who Do You Say

Matthew 16:13-18 NRSV

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”

This was one of two times that Jesus traveled north of Galilee. Caesarea Philippi or Banias was named for Pan, the Greek god. A few other pagan gods were worshiped there.  Against the backdrop of Paganism Jesus asked the disciples who did others say he was, then he asked who did they say.  The disciples said who others said, then with the second question Peter answered. 

Others may not know what we know about Jesus. But we must know. They may say one thing but act another way. Although we are around others who don’t know, we must know. And we know because of our relationship with him. Not something we heard, or read about him- but that we know. Peter spoke out of his relationship with Jesus. Peter spoke and was used mightily. It’s who we know, and whose we are. more later.