Pulpit Reflections: Answering the question of questions

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The most crucial question asked in the Bible, and I would argue the most important question ever asked is the question: “Who do you say that I am?” 

Matthew’s Gospel gives us the context for this question of questions in Matthew 16. Jesus asks his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”

This is the question every human being must answer! Who is this man? Who is Jesus? In Matthew 16, Jesus and his disciples are nearing Caesarea Philippi. The city was known for its huge number of idols. 

The area of Caesarea Philippi (also known as Paneas) was and continues to be lush and beautiful. My wife and I were able to visit several years ago, and were both struck by its beauty. But though lush and full of life, Paneas was avoided by most religious Jews.

The city and all its pagan religions were focused on a famous cave, called the cave of Pan. The cave was dedicated to the Greek god Pan. The cave, which today is a beautiful tourist attraction, was marveled at by the ancients. 

Water flows out of the cave and feeds the Jordan River, and from the perspective of most ancient people, the cave was bottomless. The people built religious shrines around the cave and blamed Pan for the mysterious noises that would come from the cave. 

Caesarea Phillipe became a religious place, but also a place of fear. I must admit, after looking at many of the ancient carvings surrounding the cave, I could understand why this place was so revered and feared. Religion is scary to most people! False religions often promote fears!

In ancient times, religion (with the exception of the religion practiced by the Jews) often promoted cultic sexual immorality. This region of Paneas is rampant with the religion of goat-like gods who held sway over people’s lives. Even today, it’s kind of creepy (my impression).

It is at Caesarea Phillip that Jesus turns to his disciples and asks the question: “Who do people say that I am?” In other words, “So—all these gods/idols—all this religion around us—but what about me? Who do people say that I am?” 

The disciples quickly began to tell Jesus what they’ve heard: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and others Jeremiah; or one of the prophets.” Jesus then asks them more directly: “Who do you say that I am?” 

Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter’s answer is the rock of faith upon which Christianity and all true churches rest. What we believe about Jesus is the rock upon which Jesus will build his church. Our faith rests on who Jesus is. Who do you say that he is?

Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God. We believe Jesus is God in the flesh; he is fully God and fully man. Jesus is one person in two natures. We believe Jesus is Israel’s promised Messiah and that he was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 

We believe Jesus lived a sinless life and that he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. We believe that Jesus in his death satisfied the justice and wrath of God over our sins and that he rose bodily from the dead. 

Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest and only Advocate. We believe Jesus is the one and only Savior for sinners. We believe Jesus saves all who repent of their sin and come to him in faith desiring forgiveness. This is our answer to the question: “Who do you say that I am?”

What about you? How would you answer this question? It is truly the question of questions!

 

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