The very question that Jesus proposed to his apostles in Matthew 16. He began by asking who others thought Him to be. They responded that some thought Him to be a prophet or John the Baptist. Then, He asked them whom they believed Him to be. Peter responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). To which Jesus responded, “Blessed art thou Simon Barjona for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). Even then, Peter failed to see all the truth. Yet, it was the first part necessary to salvation. The rest would soon be revealed. Although Jesus tried to reveal to Him the truth of the cross, his heart was not yet ready. But it would be soon. Still, the greatest question for you remains, “Who do you say Jesus is?”
Many of those following Christ only wanted a healer and a provider of their physical needs. Some wanted to be freed from the Roman suppression and bondage. They were willing to believe in Him, as long as they believed He could change their circumstances. Yet, they were not really interested in His changing their hearts. Eager to go on about their merry ways, untransformed—they only wanted what He could give them to make life easier; but they really did not want an intimate spiritual relationship with Him. So, they could say Jesus is a healer, a prophet, or even the King of the Jews if it got them what they wanted. But if He didn’t change their earthly circumstance here and now, well, they wanted no part of Him. Much like many who fill our pulpits and church pews today!
Jesus Is the Son of God
Peter had no problem believing that Jesus is the only begotten son of God. He had seen enough of His miracles to fully believe this truth. Furthermore, this was clearly affirmed again to Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration. However, he did not see yet his desperate need of a Savior, nor accept that Jesus Christ would be the final Sacrificial lamb. Regardless of the many times Jesus told Peter that He would be handed over to die on a cross and be resurrected, Peter would not accept that as truth.
Neither did Peter fully recognize the necessity of Christ’s crucifixion. Nor did Peter understand the Old Testament Scripture foretelling this fact. The Scribes and Pharisees certainly ignored the truth of prophecy as well. But for Peter, this had to become very personal. He would have to first realize his own desperate need of a Savior to pay for and cover all his sinful heart.
Of all things, Peter prided himself on his loyalty and love for Jesus. He believed heavily in his own will power to do what was right, follow Jesus and even sacrifice his own life to protect his friend. After all he left everything to follow Jesus. Now he relied on his strength to remain close to Jesus and to be the best follower ever. He failed to see the shadows of darkness lurking within his own heart, his own sin. Perhaps it is for that reason he could fully believe that Jesus is the Son of God, in all majesty and power; but a sacrificial lamb who would die baring the load of his own sin upon His shoulders? He did not even realize the necessity for this, until that moment the cock crew thrice and he had denied his Lord and Master.
Jesus is the only way
Perhaps Peter had recognized that he was a sinner before his denial of Christ. However, he did not see the depths of darkness that lay in his own heart, until then. He always held firm that he could take control of his own will and follow Jesus in his own strength. Much like many Christians or some want to be followers of Christ. Some say they believe, but never surrendered their full heart and soul to Him.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). We cannot reach God by good works. There are not many paths that lead to God, there is only one.
To be saved, one must first believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, a part of the triune God and as such-Sovereign God Incarnate (God in Human Flesh). One must then recognize that they are a sinner, eternally separated from God because of their sin. The chasm that lies between us and God is too great for us to cross on our own. I cannot in my own strength ever become perfect righteousness, no matter how much I want to be or how much I love God.
Therefore, Christ willingly came and paid the penalty for my sin once and for all. He died and rose again on the third day victorious over sin and death. The truth of the gospel message is this, “by faith I am saved by grace and not of works.”
Concluding thoughts:
Up to now in this series, we have looked at the fulfillment of old testament scripture in Christ’s birth, life and his entry into Jerusalem . We will further note how His death and resurrection were perfectly foretold in detail throughout the Old Testament. No other faith or religion can stand with such proof provided over the entire lifespan of the Universe, through many writers; yet, all be fulfilled.
This is only possible because God is Sovereign, and Jesus is who He claimed to be: the only begotten son of God who came to be the final unblemished Sacrificial lamb. He is the Savior, the Messiah, the great high priest and the risen King who sits at the right hand of God daily making intercession for all who believe in Him.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Series: Finding Faith on the Road to Emmaus
Why is it Important that Jesus be a Priestly King?
Why Did They Reject Jesus as King?
Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem. Why Really?
Did Jesus Come to Offer Salvation to All?
How to Certainly Know Jesus As the Lion of Judah
God Works All Things According to His Will
How Can I Be Certain Jesus is the Christ?
Was Jesus the Savior they Waited For?
How was Christ’s Suffering a Part of His Glory?
Why is it so Important to Know All the Truth?
How Faith is Found on the Road to Emmaus
Poetry:
Thy Greatest Glory Be Thy Love Poured Out On Calvary
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CREDITS
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash