Scripture Notes: Who Do You Say That I Am? (Matthew 16)

As Jesus and His disciples enter the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks them a critical question. He actually works up to it a bit, just to get them thinking. He begins with “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?” To this question, He receives a variety of replies: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, another prophet.

Then Jesus gets to the heart of the matter: “But who do you say that I am?” This question is not just directed toward the disciples on the road with Jesus that day. It is meant just as much for us. Jesus speaks this question to each of us, and it is up to us to examine our hearts and minds and come up with an honest answer.

But we can’t get it right on our own. When St. Peter responds with “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus tells Him that “flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven.” God reveals to us Who He is. He tells us through the Scriptures, through the sacraments, through the Church, through our prayers. He whispers into our hearts. But we have to be open and listen.

So who do you say that Jesus is?