Joel M Bradshaw

18Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”–Luke 9

The crowds thought Jesus was an impressive figure that God was using. Interestingly enough, all their choices would have required a resurrection, as all of those men were dead (or in Elijah’s case, not on earth anymore). Peter’s choice was something more. The Messiah would be God’s unique Son (Psalm 2). He would be God in the flesh and walking the earth (Job 19). He would be Immanuel (Isaiah 7) who would be called Mighty God and Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9). He would be the great end-times Son of Man who would rule alongside the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7).

I don’t know here exactly what was on Peter’s mind theologically. He may at this point have meant nothing more than Jesus is the great fulfillment of God’s promises. He is the only hope we have for our situations in life. And I would say that is a good start. Saving faith trusts Jesus in a way that you don’t trust anyone or anything else. I read that uniqueness and exclusivity in Peter’s words.

But what about you? Is Jesus merely a historical figure you can’t deny existed? Maybe he taught some great things and accomplished some great things. The Bible is the most popular and greatest best-selling book of all time for a reason. Is Jesus your only hope? Is he the one you orient your life around? Is he God? Do you worship him? Are you grateful for him? Do you depend upon his work on the cross for your forgiveness and redemption from your sins?–JMB