Peter's Confession

This is the second in a series of postings that I’m calling “Examples of Faith.”

At this point, Jesus had performed many miracles in the midst of His apostles. Two such miracles included feeding a crowd of five thousand with five loaves of bread and another by feeding four thousand, when they only had seven loaves. Jesus also performed other marvelous works of healing (including expelling demons) to demonstrate that he was the Son of God.

Before Jesus died and rose from the dead, it’s impossible to know how deeply the apostles believed that He was the Christ. However, there was one individual that believed this with all of his heart...it was Simon, who is also known as Peter.

So at one point, Jesus asks His apostles a simple question surrounding their faith.

Here is the conversation according to the Gospel of Matthew:

13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

14They 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?"

16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

18And 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.

19I 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."

20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Matthew 16:13-20


Final Thoughts –

This should stand as a reminder for all of us to consider our actions in front of others. Do we quietly believe in God? Or do we allow faith to move us and confess it among ourselves? Clearly, Peter had such great faith that he boldly spoke out and announced his belief. This was his CHOICE and Peter did not care what any one else thought, for his heart and mind had been opened up by the Holy Spirit.

So I say, do not be afraid to speak God’s word in front of others. Remember this passage the next time an uncomfortable situation/conversation comes up and you have to make a choice between pleasing another person or pleasing God.

11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

God bless you. And this is for His glory!