On seven different occasions, Jesus explained “to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21).
The first time occurred immediately after a break-through moment for the disciples. Through his teachings and miracles, Jesus was causing quite a stir! The “water cooler” talk had people wondering who this miracle worker was. Jesus took his disciples aside and asked them, “Who do people say that I am?”
Then he turned the question on them. “Who do you say that I am?” This is the most compelling and most important question that has ever been asked.
After Jesus asked the question, Peter was the one who stood to answer. With confidence in his voice, he declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This wasn’t information Peter figured out on his own. God the Father revealed the truth to him.
Jesus is both Lord and God. The Gospel hinges on this truth.
To conclude that Jesus is simply a mere man, or a great teacher, or even a prophet raises all sorts of questions about the validity of his sacrifice on the cross. How could the death of a mere man take away your sins? His identity as both Lord and God validates everything he ever said or did. When he says to you, “your sins are forgiven,” you can rest confidently that they are.
