-23-26 Mt 16:13-20
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 but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
The key will reveal the realization of who Jesus is to you.
Where does this question from Jesus come from? We have been dropped into this conversation out of nowhere. Why is Jesus taking this little survey about how he is being identified by the people? Is he worried about his popularity rating or if his brand is getting adequate exposure? Has his teaching of those disciples reached a point where now an exam question is meant to determine which of the pupils have grasped the lesson? Where do we fit into it all; for this question, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? encompasses us as well.
This string of questions will have to be taken apart if we want to understand. We’ll start with: Where does this question from Jesus come from? A commentary by Eugene Gibson, Jr. opened up for me a recognition that there are three separate points of view that need to be recognized as we read of this encounter. As we view Jesus through the eyes of each one, then we gain a more complete insight of his objective. We will find the context or the setting from which this conversation comes, as we back up in Matthew’s account. The first 12 verses of this chapter lay out the circumstances from which Jesus’ identity question arises.
16:1-4 1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away.
These Pharisees and Sadducees have a particular take on Jesus, this rebel from backwater Nazareth. To their utter surprise he has attracted a significant following. The Pharisees have acknowledged that He speaks with power and authority, which has disconcerted them. The Sadducees, who are the priestly sect, which holds authority over the temple and they have gained wealth through their position and cooperation with Rome. So they have become agitated with what Jesus has been saying and doing. For Jesus’ message has been about the poor, giving regard, respect and care for the lost and least among the people, and thereby exposing the injustices of Rome. So, they want Jesus to give them a sign - an indication of his rightful power that clearly has God’s signature of approval. They want proof that is irrefutable to them. Jesus knows that will be given, but no sign is adequate for those who refuse to believe.
The text continues introducing us to the next viewpoint that is offered in this account. Mt 16:5-11 5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They said to one another, “It is because we have brought no bread.” 8 And becoming aware of it, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you talking about having no bread? 9 Do you still not perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand and how many baskets you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand and how many baskets you gathered? 11 How could you fail to perceive that I was not speaking about bread? Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!” 12 Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus here warns the disciples to beware of the yeast. They think they are being criticized for forgetting to get bread which doesn’t concern Jesus at all. He was speaking about the Pharisees and Sadducees whose ideas and negative opinions about him were like yeast. The Bible’s meaning for yeast represented deceptive notions and false doctrine. He wants the disciples to understand that any teaching that is meant only to preserve tradition but is devoid of compassion and mercy has no place with him. The utilization of power that shows no sensitivity and humility, no empathy, is contrary to the way of Jesus. So as the disciples came to this conversation, they are struggling with their own inadequacies. They wanted to understand what Jesus meant. The religious traditionalists were seeking ways to discount Jesus because he did not fit with their long-held rules and system. Jesus then brings the focus upon the question that is meant to get them on track with the real issue. Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The people had come up with many names with whom they identified Jesus, who named himself - the Son of Man. He reminded them of John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or other of the prophets. It seems the disciples realized that was not the whole story, Jesus was not merely a remake of an earlier messenger/ servant of God. A prophet-yes, & more than a prophet.
It finally comes down to a revelation that is needed on a very personal level. Jesus comes to you. Jesus offers you the gift of grace. Jesus left heaven to live as a human in order to connect with us and save us. It is finally incumbent for you to answer his last question: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter exclaims; “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” There it is, the answer Jesus was looking for. This is the confession that matches Jesus’ own perspective regarding his identity. It is the answer He wants you to give with full confidence and ardent faith. It is the answer that enables you to utilize the keys to the kingdom. Being fully aware of the identity of Jesus, that this One, who is Messiah, forgives you completely, & you are then empowered. You are to take up that gift of grace and forgive as well. You have identified with the Son of God, taking up his attitude and generosity, passing that forgiveness along. Jesus wants each of us to answer his question: “Who do YOU say that I am?” No one can do it for you. What do you say? Jesus is God’s Son. Amen