Peter’s identification of Jesus as the Messiah and first prophecy of the church

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1. Through all the ups and downs, the miraculous healings, the teaching, walking on water, calming the storm; through questions and answers that amaze crowds, Jesus picks this time to ask:

   But what about you? Who do you say I am?

   Peter is quick to answer, he’s the bold one of the group of disciples, and he speaks for the group.

   You are the Messiah, God’s Messiah

   If we were discussing Christ with an unbeliever, this is probably not the best place to start, even though the statement is completely accurate. Jesus tells his disciples not to tell anyone about him for a reason: this truth is hard to understand.

   For the devout Jew, the concept of worshiping anything other than God is unthinkable. They recall the history of their forefathers who were all led astray by one religion or another and can’t even entertain this notion that Jesus is God. They have to be shown how the prophesies point to Jesus as the Messiah, to learn gradually.

   For the atheist, well, the whole idea that there is a God is a stumbling block. Their journey to Christ is actually easier than one who is devoted to another religion. The religion of Atheism is riddled with holes that are filled with self-centered, ego-driven desires. Once an atheist is able to see that they are not the center of the universe, that there must actually be a creator, the conversation and explanation through the Bible should not be so difficult. Read in context and with the right vision it all comes together and fits quite nicely. Simple concept that is difficult to explain — that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in.

   Jesus is the Messiah, the long ago prophesied, the one we’ve been waiting for, the living Son of God. This is not easy to understand and it’s not easy to appreciate the difficulty when you’re raised in a Christian home and church because we accept so much by faith.

   If we are to be the light of the world, making disciples of all nations, we must learn how to speak to those who don’t know Christ through our actions, our faith and our confidence that the Holy Spirit will do his amazing work through us. Our job is to grow and learn each day, read the Bible, hear God’s voice and preach with our lives.

   Lord let your light shine through everything I do. Guide me in your ways. Draw my children to you and show them your delightful ways. I long for the day that our family can gather and worship you as one. No more strife and no more struggles. No personal agendas. Just a love for you with true and honest worship. One day.

   You are the Messiah. It’s easy to say, but hard to understand.

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