Unexpected Truth - The Son of Man is God

Unexpected Truth – The Son of Man is God might be a slam dunk as these words dribble on your soul. For many this is a tense topic.

Mistaken Identity

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

This sounds like a legitimate question. The unexpected truth for us today that the Son of Man is God. What if you don’t see Jesus as God almighty? What if you’re IN THE CHURCH and you don’t see Jesus as God? What if he’s just a nice guy? How about someone who made a set of rules for your life? Jesus came to show you how to live. That’s great, but if that’s all Jesus is, the church will fade away into the sands of time after the next faith comes along. Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Jesus had become somewhat of a celebrity and not all of the press was good. They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

What’s wrong with those answers when we consider our Savior? Those people aren’t bad. Many people called Jesus far worse than John the Baptist. The problem is that if you see Jesus for anything other than the Son of God, it is NOT a cute case of mistaken identity; you can run into troubles.

A Confession of Faith

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

This is one of the more misunderstood passages in the Bible. It’s not even that tricky when you look at what our God says. The words for Peter and rock are similar, but Greek grammar makes it clear that we’re talking about two different things. The Roman Catholic church has claimed for centuries that the Apostle Peter – as in the person – was the Rock that the church stands on. That’s why – they claim – that Peter was the first Pope – this gets into the monarchical episcopate and WAY too much church history. Jesus changes Simon’s name to Peter because he made this confession. But what Jesus is saying is that Peter’s confession is rock – the fact that Jesus is the Christ is what the Christian church is based on. Jesus is the reason your faith can’t fail. He’s God and he always keeps his promises. Jesus is the reason the church can’t fall or said positively – Jesus is the reason the church will stand forever.

Want to hear more? Watch this week’s message taken from Matthew 16, Unexpected Truth – The Son of Man is God.