Matthew 16:15
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" was Peter's answer to that question (Matt 16:16). The Christ is the Anointed One, the Messiah of Israel. And how did Peter know? The Lord said to Peter in the next verse, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven." Although the Lord had partaken of flesh and His blood was from above (Heb 2:14), He had not revealed this to Peter. Actually, no teacher can teach the I AM of Jesus Christ; neither can any teach The Mystery. Hidden wisdom is not taught in schools and seminaries but is revealed by The Holy Spirit.
"This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." This was the Roman's estimate (Matt 27:37). Pilate found no fault in Him, so He asked Him if He were the King of the Jews. To which The Lord Jesus answered him, "Thou sayest." Pilate was undoubtedly convinced of this 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 about The Kingdom, but no doubt saw something of the impact 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 Andrew's testimony 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?
