“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:20).
The most important part of our section this morning is Peter’s confession/affirmation of Jesus’ Messianic mandate – Jesus as God’s Messiah. Our English translation uses the term “Christ” which is the transliteration of the Greek word Hristos.
For the majority of the Jewish people, Messiah was a loaded word.
It was a word that kept them living…hoping…dreaming…going through the day…putting up with insults, persecution, and foreign occupation.
It was a word that popped up in bed time stories; kept the religious gatherings ongoing.
It was a word that helped them look ahead…kept them a waiting.
Think of Andrew and his companion spending a night at Jesus’ place and listening to Him.
When Andrew met his brother the next day, it wasn’t “Good morning, bro…Where do we fish today”? It was “We have found the Messiah…” (John 1:41). What made Andrew and his companion so sure of finding the Messiah? Listening to Jesus…God’s very Word…the Word Incarnate.
Peter’s affirmation of Jesus as God’s Messiah (Luke 9:20) was made amidst other affirmations and opinions people held regarding Jesus.
-Some said that Jesus was John the Baptist raised to life (Luke 9:7);
-Some said He was Elijah (Luke 9:19);
-Some said He was “one of the prophets of long ago” (v.19).
Given the public opinion of the crowds, Peter’s affirmation comes as bold and endearing/controversial.
Today, there are many more opinions floating around, claiming this and that about Jesus. The main question is, “Who do you say Jesus is?”
Some answers can be worked out by ourselves…the main answer comes from above – in the moment of the Holy Spirit visitation.