The life of Jesus · Matthew 16
“Thou Art the Christ”: Peter’s Confession
In the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples: “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. “But whom say ye that I am?” Simon Peter answers: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus calls him blessed: it was his Father who revealed this to him. On this rock, he says, he will build his church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. He promises him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. From that time on, he tells them that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be killed, and be raised the third day. Peter rebukes him; Jesus answers, “Get thee behind me, Satan!” and calls his disciples to take up their cross and follow him.
What happens
- At Caesarea Philippi: “Whom do men say that I am?” Matthew 16:13–14
- “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:15–16
- “Blessed art thou, Simon”: the Father revealed it to you Matthew 16:17
- “Upon this rock I will build my church”; the keys of the kingdom Matthew 16:18–19
- Jesus foretells his death; Peter rebukes him: “Get thee behind me, Satan!” Matthew 16:21–23
- “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” Matthew 16:24
Who is in this story
The lesson
Recognizing Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, is a gift from the Father and the foundation of the church. But confessing him is not enough: we follow him only by accepting the cross, and not by thinking the way people do.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Quick quiz on this story
How does Simon Peter answer the question “But whom say ye that I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus declares that it was his Father who revealed this to him. Matthew 16:15–17
In which region does Jesus question his disciples about his identity?
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13
Which prophet is named among the identities people give Jesus?
The disciples answer, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.” Matthew 16:14
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