Text: Matthew 16:13-16
By: SANNI, JOHN
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TEXT
Matthew 16:13-16 (NIV) – “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’”
INTRODUCTION
Jesus had performed many miracles, taught with authority, and lived a life that defied societal expectations.
Yet even with all these, people had different opinions about Him.
Some thought He was John the Baptist reincarnated, others thought He was Elijah or another prophet.
But Jesus asked a far more personal question to His disciples—”Who do you say I am?”
This question remains just as relevant today. Who is Jesus to you, especially in the face of trouble, pain, uncertainty, and temptation?
Our answer should not just be theological—it must be personal, experiential, and rooted in trust.
THE CONTEXT OF THE QUESTION
Jesus asked this question in Caesarea Philippi—a region filled with idols and pagan worship.
Amidst all the gods people bowed to, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?”
It was a call to distinguish Him from all other voices, beliefs, and distractions.
Why did Peter answer boldly?
Peter had witnessed the miracles of Jesus first-hand:
- Healing Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15)
- Peter caught plenty fish at his command (Luke 5: 4-6)
- Walking on water and being saved by Jesus (Matthew 14:28-31)
- Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21)
- Raising Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43)
Peter had experienced Jesus’ divine power. His confession—”You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”—was not merely from information; it was from revelation and relationship.
If Christ must give out the key to the kingdom, he then must be sure that they understood the assignment of the kingdom.
Most importantly, he wants to be sure that they knew who the KING of the kingdom is.
Peter understood this assignment so well that he spoke passionately in Acts 2, using the key that was handed to him.
WHO IS JESUS TO YOU TODAY?
- Jesus in Your Finances/Businesses
When bills pile up, income is scarce, or debt feels crushing, we must ask: Is Jesus just a Sunday figure or the Provider of my daily bread?
He is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides (Genesis 22:14).
Trusting Him doesn’t eliminate budgeting or hard work, but it brings peace in knowing our source is not the economy, but Christ. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…”
Business can bring pressure, risk, and fear. But Jesus offers wisdom and integrity.
He gives strategic insight and Favor. When He told Peter to cast his net again (Luke 5:4-6), the catch was overwhelming. Christ knows where the “fish” are.
- Jesus in Your Marriage
Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
Marriage can feel dry, broken, or distant. But Jesus is the foundation and restorer of every godly relationship.
He models sacrificial love, forgiveness, and unity. When we surrender our marriage to Him, healing and transformation can begin.
Be intentional about making that near-broken marriage work by asking yourself sincerely, WHAT ROLE DOES JESUS PLAY IN MY MARRIAGE?
- Jesus in Drug Addiction and Bondage
John 8:36 – “So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Addiction is a powerful chain, but Christ is stronger. He doesn’t shame the addicted—He heals and restores.
In the demon-possessed man of the Gadarenes (Mark 5:1-20), we see Jesus’ authority over spiritual bondage.
No addiction is beyond His power.
To parents and Guardians, the world of Media and Artificial Intelligence has grown so much and tripled the promotion of ungodly program, giving us the huge task of tripling our effort of discipleship and mentorship beyond the usual morning devotion.
Amidst our discipline, learn to have a heart-to-heart talk with your children rather than stigmatizing them.
This will always give them room to be vulnerable with you in the quest to stop any addiction they’re caught up with.
- Trusting Christ in Your Greatest Lows
Peter saw the storm and began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:30) – that is our story too.
When life overwhelms us, the question “Who do you say I am?” becomes critical.
Do we still believe He is Savior when the job is lost, the child is sick, when you fail exams, the spouse is unfaithful, or prayers seem unanswered?
Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…”
Faith is not about avoiding problems, but about knowing WHO walks through them with us.
Christ isn’t only present in miracles—He’s present in the waiting, the suffering, and the uncertainty.
CONCLUSION
Who do you say Jesus is?
That answer must go beyond Sunday answers—it must be seen in your trust when life crumbles, your peace in uncertainty, and your hope in despair.
Let your life be your confession like Peter’s—”You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
“Jesus is either Lord of all, or not Lord at all” – Hudson Taylor
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