The Good Question Read Matthew 16:13–20
Church, in this life, many of the decisions we make begin with a question, whether we ask it ourselves, whether someone else may ask it of us, or it is raised about an individual, a congregation, or a group of people. Some questions are simple, while others are difficult. But some questions are especially important because the way we answer them can shape the direction of our lives.
This life is filled with questions. Every day, every moment, and every hour of our lives, we face questions that require answers. Question that can shape the direction and the vision of our lives. Some questions are philosophical, such as: “Why am I here?” “What is my purpose in this Church?” “What are my goals and vision for my family?”
We also have practical questions that we may ask ourselves every day: “What am I going to eat today?” “What am I going to wear today?” “Where should I go?”
Then there are some personal questions we face such as: “Is this relationship right for me?” “How am I going to raise my children?” How am I going to pay my children’s school fees?
At some point, we may find ourselves with the list of questions called the 5 Ws and 1 H: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
And sometimes, we can reach to a point we become overwhelmed and exhausted by the questions we face every day in our lives. We find ourselves quite tired of the questions that people are asking us about our life. And some of us came here this morning with a lot of questions in our minds. We also have expectations to receive the answers to those questions. Then, we find ourselves in this passage of Matthew 16:15, where Jesus is asking you and me, “But who do you say that I am?” This is the good question. Why? Because the answer to this question changes everything.
So, the question for us this morning is: “Who is Jesus Christ?” This is a very good and important question right?
This question is more important than any other question we may ask in our entire life, because Eternal life is determined on how we answer this question. Blessings, prosperity, joy, peace, security, abundant life, and forgiveness of sins are determined on how we answer this question “Who is Jesus Christ?”
You know, the disciples were asked this question when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi. This was a place known for pagan worship. People worshiped different gods, including Pan (a Greek god of nature, shepherds, and the wilderness, often pictured with goat legs and horns), and the area was filled with temples, monuments, and images. It was also connected with Roman power and the worship of Caesar.
So Jesus intentionally brought His disciples into a place filled with pagan worship, political power, and competing claims about who deserved worship, Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” Then Peter answered: You are the Messiah, The Son of the living God.
This was the second time that Peter declared “Jesus is the Son of God.” First, in Matthew 14:33, after the wind on the sea had settled down, they said “Truly You are the Son of God.” So, we see that just two chapters earlier, the disciples had already declared that “Jesus was the Son of God.” Then in Matthew 16:16, Peter answered to Jesus’s question by saying “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” So, the second time was not after seeing a miracle, but Peter was responding to Jesus’s question.
I believe Jesus brought His disciples to this region not only to ask them whom they believed He was, but also to strengthen their faith in a world filled with competing voices and competing gods. Jesus was reminding them: “Do not be shaken by what surrounds you. You must know who I am.”
Jesus took His disciples into a place filled with many gods so they could declare that there is only one Christ. Because Jesus does not need to be compared with anyone. He is not one among many. Jesus is the One. He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. There is no other God beside Him, and there is no one who can take His place.
Because some people thought Jesus was John the Baptist. Others thought He was Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. There were many opinions about Jesus. But Jesus is more than Elijah, more than Jeremiah, and other prophets. No one on earth or under the sun can be compared to Jesus Christ our Lord.
If other people compare Jesus to John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. It is their problem. Because I cannot compare Jesus to these people. Jesus is more than a prophet. “Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He is our Savior. He is our Lord.” He is the One who forgives our sins. He is the One who gives eternal life. He is the one who heals. He is the one who gives us hope to live in this world. He is the One who gives life.
This morning, I want to tell you this: If someone presented you his god, present Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
Maybe today, the place where you find yourself or the place that you are working can look like Caesarea Philippi. Maybe the school that you are going can look like Caesarea Philippi. But, please do not be shaken. If people try to present their gods to you, you present Jesus the Messiah.
When Peter recognized Jesus’ identity. Jesus says: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” And Jesus said to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” When we recognize the identity of Jesus in our life. We will speak things from heaven. We will think like Jesus. We will do things like Jesus. We will have the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
So, think about what a key represents:
- A key gives access.
- A key opens a door.
- A key represents responsibility.
If someone gives you the key to their house, they are trusting you. If someone gives you the key to a building, they are giving you responsibility.
So, when Jesus says: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom.” This mean that we have the power and authority to open any doors in our life, because the Keys are meant to open doors. We have the authority to bind and loose. We have power to make heaven agree with whatever we can decide. God gave us the keys of the kingdom. let us use these keys to open doors for people who need help.
- You have the key of encouragement.
- You have the key of hospitality.
- You have the key of prayer.
- You have the key of teaching.
- You have the key of generosity.
- You have the key of compassion.
- You have the key of welcoming someone who feels alone.
- You have the key that opens a door for someone else to encounter Christ.
Conclusion
So, beloved Church family, when we know who Jesus is, we begin to understand who we are and what we have. When we know who Jesus is, we can face tomorrow, because we have the keys to open the future. When we know who Jesus is, we can face difficult circumstances. because we have the keys to unlock doors that seem impossible to open. When we know who Jesus is, we can face uncertainty because we know the One who holds our future.
The right answer to the good question from Jesus gives us hope. When we know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, we know that our future is not in the hands of our positions, but it is in the hands of Christ.
We know who Jesus is. We know what we have. We have the keys. We have the authority. And because we have the keys, we can face tomorrow with hope. Amen.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for reminding us that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Savior and our Lord. Help us to stand firm in our faith, even when we are surrounded by many voices and distractions. Give us wisdom to use the keys You have entrusted to us to encourage, to pray, to serve, to love, and to open doors for others to encounter Christ.
When we face uncertainty, remind us that our future is in Your hands. Help us to trust You, follow You, and live for Your glory. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.
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