LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Hour of Revelation (1)
Matthew 16:13-17.
Three years have passed since Jesus began his public ministry. The disciples have accompanied Him for much of that time. It is only a few months before He goes to the cross. They have seen him perform miracles, teach teachings. But what is their knowledge of him? To deal with this matter, the Lord takes them far away from the worldly noise, to the region of Caesarea Philippi. There, near the source of the Jordan River, the Father will shine upon them a light so powerful that it has not been extinguished with the passing of the centuries.
The Lord asks his disciples who the people say he is. The answers are as varied as they are wrong. But then, the Lord asks his own disciples the question. They probably would have answered the same as the others; however, timely help came from heaven so that Peter could give the correct answer. Peter says: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God".
The Lord Jesus immediately clarifies: "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 16:17). It was necessary for the Lord to make it clear that Peter's answer was not the fruit of man, it was not the product of human ability, nor was it the logical conclusion that can be reached after orderly reasoning. It is a revelation, and that is why Peter was blessed. It is not of the one who wants nor of the one who runs, but of God who wants to reveal it.
The hour comes in the life of every sincere Christian when the Lord confronts him. What is he believing? Who is he following? Does he follow Jesus only because of what he does, or because of who he is? Does he love him because he thinks he will be able to prosper in his company, or because he knows him intimately? This question did not occur only with the apostles that day in Caesarea. It is something that continues to occur in the life of every follower of Christ today.
There always comes the hour of truth, of sincerity, far from the hustle and bustle, from the applause and apparent success, alone with Christ. The Lord looks at us carefully and examines the quality of our faith and our motivations. Do we know Jesus by human means or by revelation from God?
Peter's answer points to him as the instrument God would use to lay the foundation of his work, to subsequently bring the initial revelation of Christ to the hearts of Jews and Gentiles. When believers receive revelation from God about his Son, then they are in a position to be used to bring, in turn, to the hearts of men the revelation about Christ, and thus lay the foundation for the church. The hour of revelation is the beginning of a new stage in the life of a believer.