Identity of Jesus - Peter’s Declaration of Faith

Peter’s Declaration of Faith

• Jesus was in Caesarea Philippi. Asked disciples “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

• “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

• Simon Peter answered, “ You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

• Jesus replied “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. “

• Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Peter’s Declaration of Faith - Quotes

1. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

2. “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

3. “ You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

4. “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. “

Importance for the disciples

1. This event is a turning point in the story of Jesus - Simon Peter was the first person to recognise and call Jesus the Messiah.

2. The Disciples now knew who they were following. Not an ordinary disciple or prophet – but the Messiah (the anointed one) and th e Son of God (Divine, King).

3. The disciples do not yet realise that Jesus would be a different Messiah than they expected – a Spiritual Messiah rather than Political one. For this reason, Jesus commands that they keep it a secret.

Importance for Jesus

• It was an important watershed (turning point) in Jesus’ life as well.

• From that moment onwards Jesus began to speak openly about his suffering, death and resurrection that lay ahead of him.