Our Scripture meditation is based on Matthew 16:13-20, the Gospel Reading for next week, the 13th Sunday after Pentecost.
[13] Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” [14] And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” [15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” [16] Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [17] And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” [20] Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
In the midst of wide-spread confusion about Jesus’ identify, Peter gives a clarion-clear declaration: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (v. 16)
Notice who gets credit for Peter’s confession. Hint: It’s not Peter:
“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven…” (v. 17)
How should Peter respond to losing credit for his testimony? Should he feel hurt? Should Peter feel disappointed?
It is my hope that Peter felt reassured at Jesus’ words. His conviction came from faith, which was a gift of God. Peter doesn’t have to obsess over maintaining his confession through the seasons of life. We are told by the author of Hebrews Jesus is the “founder and perfecter” of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
When we give testimony about Jesus, we too receive this reassurance. It is a sign of faith. We are told in Romans 12:2, no one can proclaim Jesus is Lord without the Holy Spirit.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 