Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:16 ( Matthew 16:13-28, 17:1-27, 18:1-14, Mark 8:27-38, 9:1-42, Luke 9:18-48, 17:2-10)
As Jesus returns to Galilee He begins to strengthen and prepare His disciples for His death. By this time all the Apostles know Jesus is the Messiah, but their understanding is limited and faith simple. Both will be tested to the breaking point.
The highlight of this preparation is the Transfiguration. Jesus takes James, John and Peter, His inner circle, to Mount Hermon where Jesus was seen in His Glory. Moses and Elijah, representative of The Law and The Prophets, were there. Again, A voice from Heaven affirms the supremacy of God and the deity of Jesus the Christ.
Following this amazing event, Jesus asks Peter who He is. Peter has recognized Jesus as LORD, Messiah, and The Holy One of God, but at this point He knows He is The One True God. It is this Truth Jesus refers to as ‘The Rock’ upon which the Church will be built. Peter will lead the way.
Even as Jesus begins to intensely teach His followers, the masses continue to bring their needs to Him. He heals an epileptic child, tells the parables of the lost sheep and the unforgiving servant, and speaks a great deal about humility. Jesus took a little child and had him stand among them and taught they must come to Him humbly as a child would and the spiritual well-being of the weak is to be the concern of the strong.
These men saw and heard what we must know in faith. When those who were present for these events asked for greater faith, Jesus reminded them the smallest seed of confidence in what we hope for, but have not seen, can move mountains. Always remember, God is the God of the impossible, Creator of all, and Victor over death.
Love,
Gretchen