Jesus Is God’s Promised King and Son
Welcome to Day 3 of our journey with Jesus. Today, we discover what this passage shows about Jesus. The main truth for today is this: Peter recognizes Jesus as God's promised King and unique Son, not just another messenger from God. Let’s begin.
Current details of the journeyView the calendar, Episode and passage
Jesus in Action
Matthew 16:13–17
Step 3 of 5
- Giorno 1 Incontrare
- Giorno 2 Ascoltare
- Giorno 3 Scoprire È qui
- Giorno 4 Interrogarsi
- Giorno 5 Rispondere
Scopra cosa rivela questo brano su Gesù.
POI Gesù, essendo venuto nelle parti di Cesarea di Filippo, domandò i suoi discepoli: Chi dicono gli uomini che io, il Figliuol dell'uomo, sono? Ed essi dissero: Alcuni, Giovanni Battista; altri, Elia; altri, Geremia, od uno de' profeti. Ed egli disse loro: E voi, chi dite che io sono? E Simon Pietro, rispondendo, disse: Tu sei il Cristo, il Figliuol dell'Iddio vivente. E Gesù, rispondendo, gli disse: Tu sei beato, o Simone, figliuol di Giona, poichè la carne ed il sangue non t'hanno rivelato questo, ma il Padre mio che è ne' cieli.
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What does Matthew 16:13–17 show about Jesus, and what evidence supports this?
Watch: The Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Watch the companion video, then continue reading to examine the biblical testimony in its full context.
People Compared Jesus to the Prophets.
Jesus and his disciples came to the region of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asked them, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” “Son of Man” is a title Jesus often used for himself. The disciples reported what they had heard. Some people said Jesus was John the Baptist. Others said Elijah. Others said Jeremiah or another prophet. Every answer compared Jesus to a man from Israel’s past. The people saw that Jesus was important. They did not agree about who Jesus really is.
Peter Said Jesus Is the Messiah.
Then Jesus asked a second question. He said, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” “Messiah” means “Anointed One.” In the Hebrew Scriptures, God promised to send a king from David’s family. This king would save God’s people. God made this promise to King David. It is written in 2 Samuel 7:12-14. Peter said Jesus is the king God promised. Peter did not say Jesus was only one of the prophets. Peter said Jesus is the one God had promised to send.
Peter Said Jesus Is the Son of the Living God.
Peter also called Jesus the Son of the living God. This title shows that Jesus has a close and special relationship with God. The title “Son” also shows honor and authority. No prophet or teacher had that kind of relationship with God. Jesus used the same kind of language in the next verse. He called God “my Father.”
God the Father Showed This to Peter.
Jesus said Peter was blessed. Jesus said, “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” “Flesh and blood” means a human source. Peter did not learn who Jesus is from other people. God the Father showed him. So the truth about Jesus comes from God. It does not come from a human source.
What This Passage Shows About Jesus.
This passage shows that Jesus is more than a prophet. Jesus is the Messiah, the king God promised to send. Jesus is also the Son of the living God. He has a special relationship with God the Father. Jesus said the Father himself showed this truth to Peter. So people know who Jesus is when God shows them. This is the Discover step in the Jesus365 Journey. The next step, Question Self, asks what you believe about Jesus.
Rifletta su questo.
What changes if Peter’s confession is true—not only historically, but for your own allegiance and future?
Explore what this reveals
Name clearly what Peter confessed: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Consider the authority that identity carries.
What This Means for Your Life.
If Peter’s confession is true, Jesus is not just someone to admire from a distance. He is God’s promised Messiah, and His identity carries real authority over your trust, your loyalties, and your future. The article also reminds us that Jesus does not fit neatly into human expectations of power: He points toward the cross, suffering, and resurrection. That means His saving work is not about self-promotion or religious performance, but about God acting in history to rescue people who need Him.
One way to respond today is to say Peter’s words plainly for yourself: “Jesus, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” If you are still unsure, you can begin by reading Matthew 16:13–17 slowly and asking whether Jesus deserves more than polite interest. If you already believe, let that confession shape a real decision this week—what you will trust, what you will turn from, and where you need to listen to Jesus more carefully.
Reflection question: If Jesus really is the Christ and the Son of the living God, what area of your life is still being treated as if He has no claim on it?
