Our scripture this week is Matthew 16:13-20.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 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. 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. 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.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Jesus wants His disciples to be certain of His authority, not so they would worship Him but that they would be certain of their belief in Him. There have been faithful prophets through the ages who have obeyed God. John the Baptist told everyone “I am not the Messiah”.
We often seek one who will save us in the wrong places. Many false prophets have sought to advance their own agenda and their own good, ignoring the guidance from God to love one another. We can tell true prophets by their devotion to God’s call and their honest desire for all to know Him.
Jesus came as the greatest prophet and teacher ever sent, but more than that, He came to save us from the awful mess we have made in God’s creation. Through Him, we can know the Living God. We must listen and learn that we too may be His disciples, sharing the Good News to all His children.
Gracious God, we are thankful for those who have come in faith to help us know You better. May we be inspired by their witness and go to share Your love to all the world. Amen.