“But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15,16 ESV)
The Secret
Poor Simon Peter is remembered for his temper, his denial of Christ, and the argument he lost with Paul. But this statement is more noteworthy than all his failures.
He knew who Jesus is.
Our lives, situations, and circumstances are complicated. Our past is cloudy, our present is misty, and our future is stormy. We have forgotten what to do. We are confused about what to say. We are afraid to think, for fear of being wrong.
But Peter knew who Jesus is.
Our nation is confused. Our history is forgotten. Our investments are valueless. Our friends are not friendly. Our families are disconnected.
But Peter knew who Jesus is.
Our consciences are singed. Our doctrine is disrespected. Our words are misquoted. Our churches are more socially relevant than Christ-centered.
But Peter knew who Jesus is.
And that is foundational, necessary, hope-bringing, and salvific.
We are peculiar, we know who Jesus is, too.