“AND Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way He asked... Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist: But some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto Him, Thou art the Christ.”
The Lord’s servants, in every generation, hear many expressions stating what people “think about Jesus.” Since history itself gives a record about Him, every intelligent person must admit that He was a real person and that He did wonderful things when here. But how wide and fancied are the opinions of many people rewarding just who He was! Some speak of Him as “the Master"; some say “He was a good man"; some that “He was a great martyr"; etc. But these answers do not satisfy the real truth as to His Person. For He was (and is) the Son of God and any answer that will not so acknowledge Him, is not acceptable to God.
The serious question each reader must put to himself is not only, “Who do I say that He was,” but also, “What does He mean to Me?” Your eternity is at issue in the answer to this question. May you truly be able to say, “I own Him as God’s Son and His death on Calvary as taking my place in God’s judgment against my sins.” It is this simple acceptance of Him and His work which alone will bring you true salvation.
It may surprise us that the disciples were then instructed to tell no man that Jesus was the Christ. There had been a time when it was different. For instance, John the Baptist was sent to announce Him beforehand, and tell all who would listen, of “The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Then Jesus too had announced Himself as God’s Son come down from heaven. But now the religious leaders had refused Him as their Messiah and, while the Lord continued His ministry and good works, the time was come when the public announcement (as it were) was to be discontinued.
The Lord then tells them that it is as “Son of Man” that He must suffer many things — be killed — and then rise again. It was difficult for Peter to think that such a thing would happen to His beloved Lord and so he allows his sentiments to carry him away. He speaks unadvisedly, rebuking the Lord for expressing such a thought. In Matthew’s Gospel we learn exactly what Peter said at this time: “Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee.” Matt. 16:2222Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. (Matthew 16:22). Now the Lord could not accept such a rebuke, even though well knowing Peter meant kindly by it and in His reply shows very plainly where Peter got his unintelligent thought. The Lord’s command therefore is, “Get thee bind Me, Satan.” It was not that the Lord was calling Peter “Satan,” but was showing that evil one (and the disciples too) that He was not subject to any temptation to pity Himself, nor would He entertain one thought that He should escape the death for which He had come into the world.
Peter’s carelessness in speaking too hastily reminds us of our own need of care in our speech, especially when the things of God are before us.
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Ps. 141:3.
ML-10/13/1963