July 1, 2025
Confessing the Faith - Part 2
Matthew 16:15-16
07/01/2025
15 He said to them, ``But who do you say that I am?''
16 Simon Peter replied, ``You are the Christ, the Son
of the living God.'' (ESV)
Jesus asked the disciples, ``Who do people say that the Son
of Man is?'' The title, ``Son of Man,'' refers to a prophecy in
the book of Daniel[1] where we read:
I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds
of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came
to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve
him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which
shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not
be destroyed.
Jesus, in applying this title to Himself, confesses both His
divinity and His humanity. Although the crowds saw Jesus as a
prophet, the same question must be asked of the disciples. ``He
said to them, `But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter
replied, `You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'''
This is the proper confession of faith made by the Christian
Church. Jesus is true God, begotten of His Father before all
worlds, and true man, born of the virgin Mary. He is the one
promised by God who takes upon Himself our sins, bearing our
guilt, and giving to us His righteousness.
Like Peter, we boldly proclaim the truth. It does not
matter what popular opinion may be, the truth remains.
May our Lord make us bold to believe that Jesus is the
Christ, and confidently speak of His love, grace, and mercy.
Amen.
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1. Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV)