In the sixteenth chapter of the gospel according to St. Matthew, it was recorded that our Lord Jesus Christ engaged his disciples in a discussion. He had asked them a question, which I believe was to examine their conviction of him as the Christ.
These people have been following him for long, right? Why the need to ask them again? Of course they should know who he was. He had talked with them, done many things in their presence, and even John the Baptist had testified of him as the Christ. So it was expected that they knew who he was. What then was his reason for asking? I believe it was just to know how convinced they were and if truly they were convinced. Let's consider the conversation our Lord Jesus had with them in the verses of Scripture below,
"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? [14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. [15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? [16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God". (Matthew 16:13-16).
You see, Jesus wasn't as interested in who others thought or said he was as he was in that which those who were with him thought and said of him ( his disciples). I believe all he wanted to know was his disciples' conviction of him as the Christ.
After telling him who they thought others thought or said he was, he went further to ask them of their own personal conviction. Peter being one of them, gave a very convincing and reassuring answer to show he was convinced of him as the Christ, the Son of the living God. And I believe he answered for everyone as well(the remaining disciples).
Dear believer, if you were asked such a question, what will be your response? If others thought to ask you about the reason for your faith and trust in Jesus, what will be your response? What is your conviction about Christ being the Son of the living God? Are you convinced beyond doubt that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God just like Peter and the other disciples? I ask again, are you truly convinced? You may want to spend some time pondering on these questions. May you find the same answer Peter found.
Thought for Today: It is not enough to know what others think or say about Christ. In fact their thoughts and statements concerning him may not be true. It is your conviction that matters. Are you convinced that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God?
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, please call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08161655758 or Email: [email protected].
Post a Comment
Please drop a comment and use the Social Media Buttons below to share to friends and family.