When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples what people said about him. People called him John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Those were probably the respectful opinions the disciples felt proud to hear. However honorable the opinions might have been, they were far from the truth.
Jesus then asked them a more personal question, “But who do you say I am?” No matter what people say, our relationship with Jesus comes from our personal testimony of him.
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus blessed him because the heavenly secret had been revealed to him by the Father. The church would be established on the foundational knowledge that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Son of the Living God. The church is not about programs and rituals, but a fellowship of people who each have a personal testimony of Jesus. Who do you say Jesus is? Do you have the conviction and courage to confess him as the Messiah in this generation?
Jul 16, 2026
WHO IS JESUS?
Passage: Matthew 16:13-20
Key verse: 15
NIV
chapter 16
13. When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14. They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16. Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
17. Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
18. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
19. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
20. Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus, the Messiah and my Lord. My sins are forgiven, and I can live with hope in your kingdom because of Jesus. Please help me stand firm in this knowledge and grow to serve the church you love.
One Word: Jesus is the Messiah