Who Do You Say That the Son of Man Is?

Text: Matthew 16: 13-20

Reflection and Question: “The Son of Man” spoken of by Jesus in His first question to the disciples was a common phrase in that time, as both a fancy way to refer to oneself and a reference to the vision of a heavenly being in Daniel 7:13-14. That Jesus seems to be asking about Himself is clear from His follow-up question to His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” And Peter, who so often gets it wrong, hits the nail on the head this time: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This deep faith in Jesus is the foundation upon which the church is built to this very day. What is the foundation of your faith?

Prayer: Jesus, Son of God Almighty, it is so great when Peter gets it right and You bless him, though He is already blessed by the inspiration of Your Father in heaven! Bless us by helping us get it right, through the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).