Introduction
Jesus suddenly confronted the twelve with the first question he had ever addressed to them concerning himself. He asked this surprising question, "Who do men say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13)
Jesus had spent long months in training these apostles as to the nature and character of the kingdom of heaven, and he well knew the time had come when he must begin to teach them more about his own nature and his personal relationship to the kingdom. And now, the Master made ready to hold one of the most momentous sessions of his long association with the chosen apostles.
Several of the apostles participated in answering Jesus' question. They told him that he was regarded as John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. (Matthew 16:14) After Jesus had listened to this report, he pointedly said to them: "But who say you that I am?" (Matthew 16:15) There must have been a moment of tense silence until Peter replied: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)
In response, Jesus said: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”(Matthew 16:17) Yet Jesus instructed them not to tell anyone he was the Messiah. (Matthew 16:20)
It appeared that Jesus wanted each man to reach his own conclusion as to who Jesus is.
The following articles will give you plenty of food for thought as to the full identity of Jesus and his relation to the Father, to the Spirit, and to you.
JESUSFATHERSPIRIT