Why One Must Confess to Know Who Jesus Is

There was an occasion when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is (v.13)?” The disciples’ responses reflected what they had heard from those who lived in and around the pagan area of Caesarea Philippi. Some say John the Baptist; however, John had already been beheaded; others say Elijah, Jeremiah, or just one of the prophets (v. 14). People recognized Him as a man of distinction, one of the Old Testament prophets; but just like many today, they didn’t truly know who He was. But being the Master teacher He made His inquiry personal. He asked them, “But who do you say that I am (v. 15)?” Peter was the spokesman for the disciples, and he answered, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God” (v.16). Just as Peter boldly confessed Jesus as the Christ each one of us must do the same because our relationship with Him is personal. He confessed that Christ was the Son of the living God. Yes, He is the true and living God and not a lifeless god of the pagans. He is all-powerful, authoritative, and majestic. Romans 10:9 promises us that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. Who can deny that there’s validity in the old adage that “Confession is good for the soul?”

Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question as to His identity, revealed an important aspect of salvation. The revelation and confession of who Christ is can only come from a heart that God has prepared (Matthew 11:27) and witnesses “Jesus is Lord” comes only by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Jesus responded, calling Peter, Simon son of Jonah, and told him that he was blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal who He was to him, but His Father who is in heaven (v. 17). Your confession of who Jesus is, not only puts you in a personal relationship with Him, but Jesus said that you are “blessed”; that is, you are “happy, spiritually secure, and highly favored.”