Jesus was with the disciples praying, when He asked this curious question in scripture, "Who do they say that I am?" (referring to the crowds). (Luke 9:18) The disciples responded, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life." Previously, (Luke 5:17-26) Jesus knew the Scribes and Pharisees accused Him of blasphemy in their thoughts over healing the paralytic and telling him his sins were forgiven. How then is it possible that he would not know the thoughts of the crowds here? Why ask the question if He already knew the answer?
Then, Jesus turns to the 12 and asks, "But who do YOU say that I am?" (And isn't it true that every heart will face this question one day?)
I read Gill's Exposition on this, and he writes, "And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, ... To his God and Father, for himself as man, and mediator; for the success of his Gospel, and the increase of his interest; and for his disciples, that they might have a clearer revelation of him; and which they had, as appears in their after confession of him by Peter, as the mouth of them all. ..."
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God!
And there it is: that I would have a clearer revelation of Him! Knowing the difference between the world's voice, what it has to say about Jesus, and the voice of the Spirit inside me is paramount to standing firm in these dark days. One day "every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord." It doesn't say that knees will bow to a prophet, or Buddha, or to what our society worships now... self. No... there is only one Name under heaven, given to mankind, for our salvation - Jesus!
Deception has found it's way in the ekklesia and it's sad to think her members are not much different than those who never knew Him. The world's answer has never changed. Some would say, "He's a great teacher; a prophet maybe... but certainly not my salvation. I mix a little Jesus with some Buddha, and a dash of nature, and that works for me."
We live in a cynical world where wrong is right, and right is despised. It's far easier to celebrate the profane than stand for truth and pay the price. The mocking at the cross continues today. The name of Jesus means nothing to them. There is no holy value. The glory and power vested in His Name has been reduced to a filthy, careless, often times capricious, swear word.
But one day, when we stand before Him, there simply will be no denying that He truly is the Christ, the Messiah, the Sent One. Peter, as the mouthpiece for the 12 was right... where else can we go? Who else has the words of life?
Dan. 7:14 "To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty.
All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His
authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be
destroyed."
