Matthew 16:13 “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?”
In Jesus’ day, there were many opinions about who Jesus really was. Some looked at Him as a troublemaker; some said He was possessed; others said he was a criminal or liar. Others saw Him as a teacher, prophet, or possibly even John the Baptist raised from the dead.
It is interesting to note that Jesus’ disciples did not state that anyone was saying that He was the Messiah, let alone God in the flesh. Peter had the right answer. He said: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The public’s lack of understanding reveals general confusion among the masses – most likely caused by Jesus’ failure to establish the desired Kingdom.
Even today, many people still do not know who Jesus really was – and still is. The Bible repeatedly settles this question – for those who really want to know. The very first verse of the Gospel of John declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Did you see it – the “Word was God.”
Then, in verse 14, the Bible says: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” It plainly says that the Word – which “was God,” became flesh” and “dwelt” – or lived among us.
Today is Good Friday – and believers all over the world will be remembering Christ’s death on the Cross. Although remembering Christ’s death is important – it is celebrated every time there is a Lord’s Supper or communion (some refer to it as a Mass) – it is not the same thing as salvation.
What Jesus did on that Cross is nothing short of a miracle. You see, the Bible says that He took on Himself all the sins of the world from creation to eternity future and paid for them there. He alone could do this because He was God in the flesh.
Jesus paid for our sins because there was no other way to go to Heaven. Our sins – yes – yours and mine – condemned us all to Hell forever (“for the wages of sin is death” – in Hell – Rom. 6:23).
Jesus death on the Cross will not benefit anyone until it is applied to your life. His payment for our sin was God’s gift to the human race – enabling all to be saved.
Now that the Gift of Christ’s blood was shed for everyone’s sin – there is only one thing that remains to be done. You must receive the Gift! You do that by being willing to turn from sin and calling on God to forgive you of your sin. Invite Christ in to your heart (life) to be your new Boss and thank Him for dying for you. He promises eternal life to all who believe in Him: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Have you personally asked Jesus Christ to save you and believed that He did?