Episode 177 — Matthew 16:13–20 — Who Do You Say I Am?

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s awesome to be here with you today.
Today is June 26.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Jesus is here.
He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him.
You have a million things on your mind that need your attention, but right now it’s time to be with Jesus.
Set those things aside, relax, and calm your body.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: "Jesus, you are the Messiah." 
As you exhale, pray: “The son of the Living God."
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.


Read
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 
“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 
Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” 
Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. 
(Matthew 16:13–20, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Hear this conversation again — and notice how Jesus shifts from asking about public opinion to asking a deeply personal question.
  
Meditate
Jesus begins with a safe question: "Who do people say I am?" The disciples have plenty of answers. John the Baptist. Elijah. Jeremiah. A prophet. All respectable options. All ways of acknowledging Jesus is important without fully reckoning with who He actually is.
But then Jesus narrows the focus: "But who do you say I am?"
This is the question that changes everything. It's one thing to report what others believe. It's another thing entirely to declare what you believe - to stake your life on it.
Peter answers: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
And Jesus tells him: this didn't come from human reasoning. This came from God. This is revelation. And on this rock — on this confession, on this revealed truth - Jesus will build His church. The gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Notice what Jesus is saying: the church is not built on good ideas about God. It's not built on popular opinion. It's not built on secondhand faith or inherited religion. It's built on personal encounter with Jesus - on the revelation of who He truly is - and on our willingness to say it out loud.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
If Jesus asked me today — not what I've been taught, not what others believe, but what I personally know to be true — who would I say He is?

Respond
Jesus, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This is not just doctrine — this is my confession. You are Lord.
Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Making Your Confession Personal  
Today's habit is a moment of declaration: sometime today, speak out loud - in prayer, in your car, in a quiet room - your personal answer to Jesus' question. Not what you're supposed to say. Not what sounds right. But what you actually believe based on your encounter with Him.
You might say: "You are my Savior." "You are my Healer." "You are the One I trust." "You are the foundation of my life." Let it be true. Let it be yours.
And if you're not sure yet what your answer is - that's okay too. Be honest with Him. Say, "I'm still figuring out who You are. Help me see You more clearly."
That kind of honesty is the beginning of revelation.

I have one ask of you before you go, would you please consider supporting this podcast? Click the support the podcast link and give a simple gift.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus