When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
—Matthew 16:13-20

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Jesus Messiah, Lord of All
By Jennifer Kane

Upon this rock, my faith is laid,
Jesus Messiah, by God displayed.
Name above all, the truth revealed,
Blessed Redeemer, our hearts are healed.

“You are the Messiah, the Son divine,
The living God’s own sacred sign.”
Blessed are you, Simon of grace,
For flesh and blood did not show this face.

On this rock, Your church will stand,
Not even Hades can take the land.
The keys of heaven You freely gave,
And as Simon became Peter, receive a new name.

Jesus Messiah, Emmanuel,
The rescue for sinners, in You we dwell.
The ransom from Heaven, our sins You bore,
Jesus Messiah, forevermore.

Lord of all, the firm foundation,
The cornerstone of our salvation.
In You, the gates of Hades fall,
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all.

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Scriptures: Matthew 16:13-20

In Matthew 16:13-20, we witness a profound moment where Jesus, in the region of Caesarea Philippi, leads His disciples through a pivotal conversation about His identity. This passage reveals the deep truths about who Jesus is and the foundation of the Church He builds.

Many today have opinions about Jesus. Some see Him as a great teacher, a moral leader, or a prophet. However, acknowledging Jesus as merely a historical figure or wise man misses the essence of His divine nature and mission.

“Who do you say I am?” This question remains crucial for each of us. Who do we say Jesus is? Our personal acknowledgment of Jesus as the Christ defines our faith and shapes our lives. Peter’s confession invites us to reflect on our own understanding and declaration of who Jesus is.

The Church is built on the solid rock of Jesus’ identity as the Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are living stones, part of the spiritual house He is building. The promise that the gates of Hades will not prevail against it gives us confidence in the enduring strength of His Church.

Jesus’ identity as the Messiah is the cornerstone of our faith. Matthew 16:13-20 challenges us to confront this truth personally and corporately. It calls us to a deeper understanding and confession of who Jesus is, shaping our lives and strengthening our resolve to follow Him.

Take time today to meditate on who Jesus is to you. How does your understanding of His identity as the Messiah impact your daily life? Share your confession with someone and discuss how this truth can be a foundation for living out your faith.

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Heavenly Father, I come before You in awe of the profound truth revealed through Your Son, Jesus Christ. “Who do you say I am?”
Lord, I declare with my heart and lips, as Peter did, that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This truth is the foundation of my faith, and I am humbled that You have revealed it to me, not by human wisdom, but by Your divine grace.
Thank You for building Your Church upon this rock, the unshakable truth of Christ’s identity. Strengthen me to stand firm as a living stone in this spiritual house, united in purpose and love.
Guide me, Lord, to live each day with the knowledge of who Jesus is, allowing His identity as the Messiah to transform my heart and actions. May my life reflect His glory, and may I boldly share this truth with others, drawing them into the saving grace of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 16 2025