Slices
Prepare
If someone asked you who Jesus is, what would you say? Which attributes of Jesus do you most treasure?
Bible passage
Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’
14 They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’
15 ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’
16 Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’
17 Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Explore
Jesus took his disciples to the area around Caesarea Philippi, where he asked them a vital question about his identity (v 13).
The disciples reported back the common views they’d heard (v 14). What do people today say about who Jesus is? How do we communicate our perspective?
Jesus asked the question a second time (v 15). He wanted to know what they thought.
Look at Simon Peter’s answer in verse 16. What led to him realising Jesus’ identity? How did this happen for you?
Read verses 17–19. Imagine this is a job description. How do you think Simon Peter reacted to it? Jesus’ new name for Peter was not about his character but his function in Jesus’ new community. He would be the rock, the foundation stone, upon which Jesus would build.
Jesus’ church will be remarkable. No forces of evil, death, assaults or trials will overcome it (v 18). As the foundation of this new community Simon Peter would have a key role in its administration. Jesus’ language in verse 19 is around what will be permitted and what will not, in the way the new community lives.
Jesus’ final command was to keep his identity as Messiah secret (v 20) to avoid confusion, rumour and misunderstanding about his mission.
Respond
Today’s church is not ‘one’ as Jesus envisioned but divided in many ways. Pray for unity in your local church and the worldwide church.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 43,44; Hebrews 6
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that the Mission Resources team will have unity, clarity of vision, creativity and effectiveness in every area, as it settles into its new shape with a focus on research, innovation, physical and digital resources, speaking and conferences.
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
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