He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? -- Matthew 16:15 (KJV)
What Men Say
In the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus starts with an easier question: "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" The disciples have heard the talk. Some say John the Baptist, some Elias, others Jeremias or one of the prophets.
The answers are respectful. Each places Jesus among men who spoke for God. You hear the same kind of answer now: a great teacher, a prophet, a good man who showed us how to love. People mean it kindly, and it costs them nothing. You can admire a teacher and keep running your own life. None of those answers says what Peter is about to say.
What Ye Say
"But whom say ye that I am?" The "ye" is plural, so Jesus is asking all of them. Simon Peter answers, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Peter has walked with Jesus, heard Him teach, and taken up the fragments after He fed the multitudes. Yet earlier in this same chapter, when Jesus told them to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees," the disciples reasoned among themselves that He meant bread. Now Jesus tells Peter where this answer came from: "flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." He calls Peter blessed. The Father showed him who Jesus is.
If you know Jesus as the Christ, the Father has shown you too. Be thankful for it, and be patient with people who are still asking.
Say It to Him
Peter speaks his answer to Jesus: "Thou art." You may have learned the right words from a pastor or a parent and believed them for years, and still go days without saying them to the Lord. Prayer drifts into requests.
Today, before you ask Him for anything, tell Him who He is. You can use Peter's words.
Jesus keeps speaking to Peter. His next words are about what He will build.
