By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
FOLLOWING JESUS
Matthew 16:13–26
Much of the world touched by Judaism, Christianity and Islam have been introduced to the name of Jesus (Yeshua, Issa or a similar form of His name). To be familiar with His name, however, is not the same as knowing Jesus through faith in Him.
In our focal passage today, the Master surveys His disciples, asking them how people perceive Him.
His question is much like what Christians observe around Christmas and Easter when the unbelieving world — often through print and digital media — asks who Jesus really is. Even editors and influencers who are lost know that Easter is a great time to talk about Jesus.
Know the Messiah (13–20)
Who do people say I am? People were guessing then, and people are still guessing. Muslims believe Jesus to be a prophet. Depending on the Jewish people you speak with, they may consider Him to be anything from a blasphemer to a good moral teacher.
C.S. Lewis argued that if Jesus was not who He claimed to be, then He could have been neither good nor moral. Lewis proposed one of three possibilities: Jesus was a lunatic who believed what He said though it wasn’t true; He was a liar who did not believe His own assertions; or He is Lord and far more than just a good man or moral teacher (Mere Christianity, Book II, Chapter 3).
Who do you say that I am? Simon Peter confessed Jesus as Christos (Greek for “anointed one”).
Jesus explained that Peter knew this only by revelation from the Father. This is still the case today. We can truly know Jesus only if the Father draws us (John 6:44).
Did you notice where this took place? More than 20 years ago, my esteemed dean at the University of Mobile, Cecil Taylor, pointed out to me that they were in the region of Caesarea Philippi. A particular water-filled cave there is known as the “gates of Hades.”
When Jesus said that the gates of Hades would not prevail against the church (v. 18), He was using their location to help them remember that Jesus was the Anointed One, the Son of God.
Embrace His Mission (21–23)
Acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah (in Hebrew, meshiach means “anointed one”) was a good start. Peter had a problem with embracing Jesus’ mission to die as a substitute for sinners.
Peter argued with Jesus, insisting that he would not allow Jesus to be killed.
This was an act of defiance against God’s plan, leading Jesus to characterize Peter’s words as satanic. How was it so wicked? Peter was more focused on the concerns of man than about the will of God.
The mission of the Master is to do the Father’s will (John 6:38–40). Those who know the Messiah and embrace His mission are also committed to doing the will of the Father (Matt. 7:21).
Become His Disciple (24–26)
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Some consider church attendance to be the proof of discipleship. No. I attended church for years without being a disciple of Jesus. Perhaps it is giving money to the church. No. Ananias and Sapphira attempted this and failed (Acts 5:1–11).
Jesus described His disciple: one who denies self, who takes up the cross (considering himself or herself crucified with Christ) and who follows Jesus (doing the Father’s will). Are you a disciple?
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