Jesus and his disciples ventured into the District of Caesarea Philippi, an
area about 25 miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee. The region had
tremendous religious implications. The place was littered with the temples
of the Syrian gods. Here also was the elaborate marble temple that had been
erected by Herod the Great, father of the then ruling Herod Antipas. Here
also was the influence of the Greek gods. Here also the worship of Caesar as
a God himself. You might say that the world religions were on display in
this town. It was with this scene in the background that Jesus chose to ask
the most crucial questions of his ministry.
He looked at his disciples and in a moment of reflection said: "Who do men
say that I am?" The disciples begin sharing with Jesus what they have heard
from the people who have been following Jesus: Some say that you are Elijah;
others say John the Baptist, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
It's always been this way, Jesus as seen by the masses is seen in so many
different ways.
You can speak of Jesus as prophet, holy man, teacher, or spiritual leader,
and few will object. But speak of Him as Son of God, divine, of the same
nature as the Father, and people will line up to express their disapproval.
Who do people say he is? Who do you say he is? And what are we called to do?
Let's take a look at the answers to these three questions:
1. Who Do People Say He Is?
2. Who Do You Say He Is?
3. What Are We Called to Do?
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