Matthew 16:13-16. Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Everything about you—your identity, purpose, and future—hinges on the one essential question Jesus asked His disciples: “But who do you say that I am?”
This question is far more significant than what you possess, what you know, or what you do. Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Jesus is not just a famous figure in history—He is your Creator, and in Him alone is life and power.
Just like the people in Jesus’ time who saw Him yet failed to recognize who He truly was, many Christians today live without a personal and accurate knowledge of Him. They believe in His name but do not truly understand His identity, purpose, and the power of His finished work. As a result, they adhere to religious habits but lack the profound relationship that transforms their lives.
When Jesus asked His disciples who people said He was, they mentioned John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. People still do the same today. Some admire Jesus like they admire John the Baptist, focusing on repentance and outward moral change. Others chase after miracles and signs like those performed by Elijah. Many admire His compassion and compare Him to the prophet Jeremiah. Some are attracted to His wise words, viewing Him as they would any other great prophet or moral teacher.
But none of this is the gospel. Jesus did preach repentance, perform miracles, show deep compassion, and speak prophetically. However, those things alone are not the reason He came. When people do not clearly understand who Jesus truly is and why He had to come, they will inevitably live in spiritual confusion and suffering both in this life and in eternity.
Jesus was not simply one among many religious leaders. He is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” As the true King, He rose from the dead and destroyed the work of the devil (1 John 3:8). As the true Priest, He shed His own blood on the cross to deliver us from the curse of sin (Mark 10:45). As the true Prophet, He opened the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
Today, the greatest danger is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is being watered down, distorted, and even disappearing from the Church.
It is the responsibility of the Church—those called to be the guardians of the message of the cross—to protect and proclaim it. Satan, knowing the power of the gospel, uses false prophets and teachers to mislead people. They replace the truth with legalism, myths, and religious lifestyles that obscure salvation through Christ alone.
These false messages reject God’s unconditional love and grace. Some preach the so-called prosperity gospel, which promises worldly success rather than eternal life in Christ. But that is no gospel at all. They claim to know God, but their lives contradict Him (Titus 1:16). They may appear religious, but they deny the true power of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). Tragically, many follow them because their minds and consciences are corrupted.
Jesus warned that in the end times, only a few would choose the narrow road and enter through the small gate (Matthew 7:13-14). That is why we must keep our hearts pure and devoted to the true gospel. We must help fellow believers remain grounded in their faith, not swayed by false teachings.
To this end, we must hold fast to the complete covenant God has given us—Christ, the kingdom of God, and the filling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-8). This is not just theological information; it is the foundation of our lives and calling.
Let us make Christ the center of all we do. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every decision. Let us fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word daily. And let us discover and use our God-given talents to serve the gospel.
Stop wasting your life chasing after the temporary things of this world. Start pursuing what God truly desires for you—preaching only the gospel that Jesus is the Christ. This is the only message powerful enough to block the curses and disasters that have come upon our families, our communities, our nation, and the world.
Prayer. Lord, open my eyes to see who Jesus truly is. Move Your Church through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may rise and boldly proclaim the gospel. Use us to block the disasters and darkness surrounding us by declaring that Jesus is the Christ. In His mighty name, amen.