April 8
Matthew 16:13-20
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah
REFLECTION
Jeremiah(God is high) was a preaching prophet who condemned idolatry, the greed of the priests and false prophets. He identified with the people, willing to confront the authorities and point out their wrongdoings. He stood for Truth, Justice, Purity calling all to love God and humanity. He too wept over the people, was despised and rejected by his own people. He warned of the coming judgement of sin.
Elijah( Yahweh is my God) called all back to faithful worship of God. He spoke truth to the prevailing way of life putting himself in danger. He showed courage in the face of opposition. He was faithful, kind, loving and compassionate. He also performed miracles,(1 Kings 17:1;17:14;17;22;18:38;18:38;18:45).
John(Yahweh is Gracious)
John proclaimed a call to repentance. For all to turn their backs on a sinful life and return to faithful worship of God. He challenged the authorities loudly and consistently including the King.
Prophets
The marks of a prophet
- call from God
- a messenger from God
- duty to protect God’s law and covenant
- duty to be advocates for the poor
- duty to call people back to a faithful covenantal relationship with God
- duty to point out the consequences of unfaithfulness.
You can see how people believed that Jesus could be one of these prophets however Peter acknowledges Jesus as the long-expected fulfilment of God’s promised Messiah. Not just a prophet but THE Prophet, not just a Son of Man (as we all are) but THE Son of Man, God’s true Son. He had spent years living and working closely with Jesus and had witnessed his miracles, his teaching, his compassion, his courage and steadfastness, his passion for the Kingdom. Peter the impetuous, passionate disciple declared with simplicity and conviction, what his heart, mind and soul believed to be true. Jesus honoured that declaration coming from Peter’s heart and soul by giving him the keys to the kingdom.
QUESTIONS
- In answer to Jesus, “Who do you say that I am?”
- When have you witnessed someone being prophetic?
- Have you been prophetic? In what circumstances?
