The personal nature of Jesus made Him easily approachable. His family, as well as His disciples, loved being with Jesus. Crowds flocked to listen to Jesus share the transforming power of the Gospel! His enemies were also intentional in their listening to the words of Jesus, yet their wicked motives were to find an accusation that would eventually lead to the crucifixion of the Messiah.
From casual conversations to theological teachings, the approachability of Jesus attracted people to the One Who was known to be a Friend of sinners! Someone who cares for others, invests time with others, listens to others, and seeks to build others up, while simultaneously holding them accountable, is one who doesn’t cause others to build up a wall of defense during their conversations. Jesus could ask those Whom He served any question because they knew that He loved them.
Entering the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus wanted to hear the confessions of faith from those whom He had invested the most time. So, Jesus asked a question by referring to His humanity as opposed to His deity when He asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Various answers were given, and these included: John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah.
Yet, having known the Messiah personally, Jesus intentionally narrowed the question by asking His disciples, “But whom say ye that I am?” After asking the most important question recorded throughout Scripture, Simon Peter answered Jesus’ question with his confession of faith: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Peter was intentional, passionate, and accurate!
To Peter, one who had witnessed a crucified and risen Savior, he boldly and confidently identified Jesus as THE Christ (not one of many), THE Son (the only begotten of the Father – Jn. 3:16) of THE living God (He is alive!). What is your confession of faith?