Matthew 16:13–20 is a significant passage, often referred to as Peter’s confession of Christ.
There comes a moment when what you believe about Jesus must become personal, just as Peter did in his confession of Christ.
This moment in Matthew marks a monumental shift in the Gospel narrative. Peter steps forward with one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture—and Jesus affirms the foundation of the Church itself.
Matthew 16:13–20 (NASB 2020)
13 Now when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you yourselves say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He gave the disciples strict orders that they were to tell no one that He was the Christ.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- His disciples, specifically drawing out their understanding, much like he did during Peter’s confession of Christ
- Peter, who responds on behalf of the group
- Ultimately, this question is posed to every generation of believers
What Happened?
- Jesus asked a general question: “Who do people say I am?”
- Then He asked the most critical question: “Who do YOU say I am?”
- Peter boldly declared Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, marking his confession of Christ
- Jesus blessed Peter and revealed that this knowledge came from the Father
- Jesus prophesied the foundation of the Church, Peter’s role, and the authority believers would carry
The Mood: Revealing, Affirming, Foundational
Jesus takes the conversation to a deep spiritual level.
- He confirms divine revelation in Peter’s confession of Christ
- He releases a powerful prophecy about the Church
- There is affirmation and responsibility given to Peter
The Principle: Revelation Builds Identity and Purpose
Peter’s confession was not based on hearsay but on divine revelation. This teaches us:
- Faith must become personal, not secondhand, similar to Peter’s confession of Christ
- Clarity about Jesus leads to clarity about ourselves
- True revelation brings blessing and responsibility
- Jesus builds His Church through those who know Him deeply
Audience Response (Then)
Peter stepped forward with confidence.
- The other disciples likely felt the weight of the moment when Peter confessed Christ
- Jesus didn’t correct him—He affirmed and elevated the statement
This was a turning point.
What This Means for Us in 2025
Every disciple must wrestle with this question: Who is Jesus to you?
In a world of mixed opinions, false narratives, and cultural confusion:
- We need to know what we believe and why
- We must avow Christ, not hide behind the crowd
- Our identity and authority are tied to this confession, similar to Peter’s
- This is the foundation of the Church
Jesus is still asking, “Who do YOU say I am?”
Action Steps for Today
- Get clear on who Jesus is. Study His Word until it’s personal.
- Speak your faith out loud. Confession solidifies conviction.
- Live from the authority you carry. Heaven backs the Church.
- Reject cultural confusion. Choose revelation over speculation.
- Rebuild your life on the Rock. Christ is the unshakable foundation.
Final Prayer
Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Let this truth not just be what I say, but how I live. Help me walk in the authority You’ve given, and stand firm in a confused world. Build Your Church in and through me. Amen.
Your confession of Christ is the key to a life of power, purpose, and permanence, as seen in Peter’s declaration.
