From the desk of Pastor Ben
Confessing Jesus

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona.”        (Matthew 16:16-17a)

Finally, the apostles accepted the truth of Jesus’ son ship and messiah-ship beyond question. They would still experience times of failing and bewilderment (Matthew 8:26; 14:31) regarding what He said and did, but they would have no further doubt about who said the words or performed the deeds. The Holy Spirit had confirmed the truth of Jesus’ identity in their hearts and minds. Without question, the apostles now knew Christ was the fulfilled of their hopes, the source of their salvation, and the desire of all nations.

Some of the things the disciples later said and did demonstrated that they did not at this time fully understand the Trinity or the full nature and work of Christ. But they knew He was truly the Messiah and truly the Son of God. “Son” here, reflects the concept of oneness in essence — a son is one in nature with his father. Therefore, Christ was and is one in nature with the Father (John 5:17-18).

People who confess that Jesus is God, which means to genuinely agree that He is Lord and Savior (1 John 4:14-15), the Father will eternally bless them (Ephesians 1:3-5). God pours out all His powerful, all-sufficient resources on those who come to Him through saving faith in His Son, because through the Son they become the Father’s own children.

Ask Yourself:
Try to count the blessings that have been poured into your life since you acknowledged Jesus as Lord, remembering that blessings are not the only things that make you feel happy and energized, but rather the positive, eternally beneficial aspects of God’s mercy and favor.