One Important Question All Must Answer

N.T.#187 "One Important Question All Must Answer"

Nov. 17, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Throughout our educational life, we had final exams. Probably, it was a few questions inquiring what we had learned in the course. Some tests were essay to reveal this, while others had specific questions. The time had come for the disciples to take their final exam. Read on to find out how they did.

Jesus and His disciples were on the move again. They went north to Caesare Philippi, which was at the mouth of the Jordan River. (verse 13) An underground stream bubbled up from a cave. The place was a center of idol worship. 

Jesus knew the end of His earthly ministry was coming to an end soon. He had spiritual things left to teach His disciples. These men had heard His teaching, observed His actions, witnessed His miracles, and got to know Him up close and personal. They observed Jesus' methods of ministry and learn His ways, hopefully. The day for the final exam came. How they answered this question had everything to do with their eternal destiny. (also ours)

Here is the question: Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am? (verse 13b)

What was the word on the street? What was the murmuring among the crowds?

How did the disciples answer?

• Some say You are John the Baptist. Had he returned from the dead? John announced the coming of the Savior, challenged people to turn from their sins, and baptized them as a symbol of their repentance. He spoke the truth, which cost him his life.
• Some say You are Elijah. Had he returned from his ascent to heaven? (2 Kings 2:11) He was used by God to perform miracles., confront priests of Baal and Asherah. 
• Others say You are Jeremiah. He spoke for God to Judah for 40 years, was rejected, stood alone, predicted the fall of Israel and Judah, as well as other nations.
• Others say You are one of the prophets.

There was a lot of speculation as whom Jesus was. One thing for sure, Jesus was not a dead, dumb idol, as people in that city worshiped.

LET IT GROW

If Jesus asked you that question, how would you answer Him? Is He Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, Son of God to you? 

Or is Jesus just another good man, a good teacher, one of the prophets?

Folks, it take faith to believe Jesus is God's Son, sent to save us from the penalty of our sins. The Bible is truth. Jesus is the only way to heaven and to God. He is the Expected One the prophets foretold about to come.

 LET IT GO 

Help us let go of false teachings, sayings of others, and have faith in You, Jesus.

To know You love us more than anyone.

Draw the lost to You.