Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. This was Peter's answer
to the question (Matt 16:16). The
Christ is the Annointed One, the Messiah of Israel. And how did Peter know?
The Lord said to Peter in the next verse,
Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in
heaven. Although the Lord had partaken of flesh and blood (
Heb 2:14), yet He had not revealed this to Peter. Actually a teacher
cannot teach Christ, neither can he teach the mystery. Hidden wisdom is not
taught in schools and seminaries.
This is Jesus the King of the Jews. This was Pilate's estimate (
Matt 27:37). Pilate found no fault in Him. He asked Him if He were
the King of the Jews. No doubt Pilate was convinced of the truth, but his
political life found it expedient to turn the King of the Jews over to the
executioners.
Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel (
John 1:49). This was the verdict of Nathaniel in whom there was no
guile, or in other words, he was not a politician. He did not say one thing
and act another for selfish reasons.
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (
John 1:29). This was the witness of John the Baptist. This was a broader
view than the others because it was made by one who was looking into the
future, even beyond Jewry. John the Baptist preached primarily the kingdom,
but no doubt saw something of the impact of the kingdom would have on the
world. This taking away the sin of the world is explained in
2 Cor 5:19.
This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased (
Matt 3:17). This is the witness of the Father. It is repeated in
Matt 17:5.
Where is He That is born King of the Jews? This is the object of the
search of the wise men in Matt 2:2
. Wise men still seek Him.
If Thou be the Son of God (Matt
4:3). This is Satan's way of addressing Him. Satan and his agents
are still putting out the propaganda, either questioning or denying the Sonship
of Christ.
Jesus, Thou Son of God. This was the estimate of the devils (
Matt 8:29).
We have found the Messiah (John
1:41). This was the testimony Andrew gave to his brother Simon.
This is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. After the woman's
testimony and hearing the Lord Himself, this was the conclusion of the men
of Sychar (John 4:42).
I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God. This was the testimony
of Martha, even though her brother lay dead in the tomb (
John 11:27).
My Lord and My God (John 20:28
). These are the words of Thomas when he saw the wounded hands and feet and
the side where the spear had pierced.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he
shall be My son (Rev 21:7
). These are the words of the Lord Himself.
And what is our answer today to this question asked by the great God and
our Savior Jesus Christ over 1900 years ago?
