Matthew 16:13-15
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
When traveling abroad, it is good to know that, as an American citizen, you are protected by your government against mistreatment by the host nation. Caesarea Philippi had been built to worship Zeus and it boasted a cave that may have been considered the entrance to the underworld. Jesus chose this spot to declare war and proclaim that the gates of Hell would not prevail against the church that he would build. Those without the citizenship of heaven had much to be wary of in this foreign land. Those with the correct answer to the question of who Jesus is are protected against the gates of Hell and its pitfalls.
Even with Jesus standing there, the answers from his disciples varied greatly. They still do. Some say he was a great moral teacher, while others say a political activist, and others even say Jesus is a figment of our imagination. Peter boldly displayed his passport, which would soon be stamped with the blood of Jesus, by proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. all other answers mean they are at the wrong gate and will miss their flight. Who do you say Jesus is? Your answer will affect the rest of this earthly life and the next.
O Heavenly Father, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thank you for our passport to Heaven and for the blood that validates it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.