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Matthew 16:13 - Who Do People Say The Son Of Man Is?

Matthew 16:13 (NIV) When Jesus came to the 
region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his 
disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"  

INTRODUCTION

The disciples answered Jesus' question with 
the common view"that Jesus was one of the 
great prophets come back to life. This belief may 
have stemmed from Deuteronomy 18:18, where God 
said he would raise up a prophet from among the 
people. (John the Baptist's Profile is in John 1, p. 
1749; Elijah's Profile is in 1 Kings 17, p. 545; 
and Jeremiah's Profile is in Jeremiah 2, p. 
1201.) Peter, however, confessed Jesus as divine 
and as the promised and long-awaited Messiah. If 
Jesus were to ask you this question, how would you 
answer? Is he your Lord and Messiah? [Life 
Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   As a high school English teacher, I found 
that my favorite teaching strategy was 
questioning. When I had my class analyze literature, 
rather than lecture as my college professors had, I 
prepared thoughtful questions to lead my students to 
discover answers for themselves. 
   I could have been the "sage on the 
stage," telling students what I wanted them to know, 
while watching them doze. Or I could frame a 
question, write their responses on the board, and let 
them debate which answer was best. When students 
had questions, I asked the class if anyone could 
answer it. This questioning method forced my 
students to wrestle with the text, with their ideas, 
and with others' interpretations. As a result, 
their understanding was much deeper than if I had 
simply lectured them. 
   Jesus often taught through parables, but 
He asked powerful questions as well, forcing 
people to search inward for answers. His questions 
were designed to expose issues of the heart, to 
refine a belief, to reveal an attitude one may not 
have been aware of or a sin they'd chosen to 
ignore. 
   Jesus's inquiries can also comfort. When 
life has me struggling for answers, I quiz myself 
with questions Jesus once posed: Who do you say 
that I am? Do you believe? Why are you so afraid? 
Why did you doubt? What does the Scripture say? 
Do you love Me? 
   Like the questioning exercise I used with 
students, pondering His questions and my answers leads 
me to understand Jesus deeper - no question 
about it. Karen Sargent 
   Faith Step: In a journal, write your 
answers to Jesus's question: "Who do you say I 
am? [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by 
Guideposts and Zondervan] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 16:15 - Who Do You Say I Am?

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230226-0906.html 

Matthew 16:16 - You Are The Christ, The Son 
of The Living God. 

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220929-0851.html 

Matthew 16:16 - The Planets Most Momentous 
Event. 

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211208-0850.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/