The Messiah

The word "Messiah" is an ancient Hebrew word.  It means "the Chosen One", or "the Anointed 

One".  The Greek word is "Christ".  It means the same thing:  "the Anointed One," "the Chosen One."  The concept of a Messiah, an individual who would come to "save his people," is as old as the book of Leviticus but may even be seen to be referenced in the story of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden.  The clearest reference to such an individual is found in the book of Daniel.

"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like the son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.  He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.  He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."  Dan 7:13-14.

By the time of Jesus' arrival on the scene in 1st century AD, there were mixed notions about who the Messiah would be.  Many in Israel believed that he would be a political or military leader who would throw off the rule of the hated Roman empire and restore the kingdom of Israel.  Others believed that he would be an individual who would remove human sin and make it possible for people to enter into a right relationship with a holy God.  John the Baptist, on seeing Jesus approaching him, said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"  (John 1: 29.)

In this passage from Matthew, Jesus asks the question of His disciples.  "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"   

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."  (Matt  16: 13-14.)  Then Jesus goes to the real point of His question.

But Jesus persists.  "But what about you?"  he asked.  "Who do you say that I am?" (v. 15)

Now He gets a bold but honest response.  Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (v.16).

Jesus responds with a stunning statement.

"And I tell you that you are Peter (the name "Peter" can be translated "rock") and on this rock I will build my church,and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (v. 18)

Peter will go on to make some significant mistakes in his discipleship, but here he gets it right.

What about us?  It is implicit in the passage that we are also being asked that question.  Who do you think Jesus is?  Who do I think He is?  The question is unavoidable.  Eventually we all have to answer it.  Will we, like Peter, get it right?