Matthew 16:13 (NKJV) 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
The disciples spoke up and said, “some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets”.
Jesus then said, “who do you say that I am?”.
Simon Peter spoke right up and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”.
Matthew 16:15 (NKJV) 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
You have here two different answers.
You have the first answer, from the intellectual mind, that could only relate to what it sees on its own; John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or a prophet.
Then, you have the second answer that only God can reveal through the Holy Spirit; The Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus told Peter, “blessed are you, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven”.
He also told Peter that on that rock He will build His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
What rock will He build His church on? The truth that was revealed to Peter by the Spirit of God.
When Peter gave his answer, it showed that he was tuned into hearing the Holy Spirit.
This marked a turning point, and Jesus began to teach them about the things He must suffer, including His death on the cross and then His resurrection.
Matthew 16:21 (NKJV) 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
Jesus was now able to move forward and take the next steps toward His purpose here on earth.
As we stay open and connected with the Holy Spirit, He will give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding deep within ourselves; something the mind can never get on its own.
We teach frequently about drawing close to God. This is the very reason for that; so we can have His understanding on all things.
Don’t be afraid of the Holy Spirit. He is our Helper.
John 14:26 (NKJV) 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
