(Read Matthew 16:13-20)
This morning we get back to our overarching series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. We have been studying the life of the Apostle Peter and our study brought us to Matthew chapter 16. We had looked at this passage for a few days before I took a break to deal with the Men’s Conference. The last message I shared with you from this passage was entitled, “The power of knowing who you are.” My point was that once you discover who Jesus is, like Simon did when he identified Jesus as the Messiah, you get to discover your true identity, like Simon did when Jesus called him Peter.
Today we go back to this passage and we will focus in on “The revelation of who Jesus is”. This revelation changed Simon the fisherman into Peter the Apostle and it is this very same revelation that changes all of our lives as well. Let’s get to it.
The Bible says, “Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. He said to his followers, “Who do people say I am?” They answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah. And some say you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Then Jesus said to his followers, “And who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah. No one taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am. So I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church. I will give you the keys to God’s kingdom. When you speak judgment here on earth, that judgment will be God’s judgment. When you promise forgiveness here on earth, that forgiveness will be God’s forgiveness.” Then Jesus warned his followers not to tell anyone he was the Messiah.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. If you misidentify Jesus you will never receive the life-changing power He came to provide you.
a) Many misidentified Jesus during His time in the earth. They called Him John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Those who misidentified Jesus — many of whom were actually in the presence of the Son of God during His time of miracles — missed out on what He came to offer. He was in their presence, but they still failed to discern who He really was.
b) Many today are still misidentifying Jesus. Some think He was a good man. Others think He was a prophet. Some say He was simply an important historical character. But those who fail to discern Jesus as the Messiah will never receive what He came to provide.
c) Jesus was God in the flesh and He came to save the world from the power of sin and the sting of death.
2. Jesus was the Last Adam – there will be no other.
a) Adam was God’s Son. He operated in the earth with supernatural power. His words were backed by God Himself. As the Father rules the heavens Adam was to rule the earth. But Adam lost it all.
b) Jesus was not just a man, He was the Son of God; the second and LAST Adam. Paul said it this way: “So also it is written, “The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” (1 Cor 15:45). Adam had the power of God for himself, Jesus came to provide access to that very same power to ALL men!
c) Jesus came, He conquered satan, hell and the grave, and His work is finished. He was the last Adam because there will be no other. The next time Jesus comes it will be to judge the living and the dead.
3. To know what the Last Adam came to provide all you need to do is look at what the first Adam lost.
a) Adam walked with God in the cool of the day. Jesus came to restore our intimacy and fellowship with the Father.
b) Adam was given dominion over the earth and everything that moves, crawls, walks, swims or flies in it. Jesus came to restore that dominion to us.
c) Adam had an individual and tailor-made purpose, fashioned for him before the world began. Jesus came to connect each and every one of us to our tailor-made purpose.
d) Adam was completely innocent, inherently righteous, and he had no concept of death. Adam did nothing to earn or deserve this, it was all given to him by God’s grace. Jesus came to offer us all an abundance of grace, the gift of righteousness, and freedom from the fear of death.
*** When you properly discern who Jesus is you get to enjoy ALL He came to provide.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. The more I study Your grace, the more I understand all Jesus came to provide me. I know who Jesus is. I have received the revelation of the identify of Your Son. I properly relate to Jesus. He was not just a prophet or a good man. Jesus was Your Son, the Last Adam, and He came to get us out of the mess the first Adam got us into. The first Adam introduced sin and death. The Last Adam came to deliver me from both. Sin has no power of me. I have received the gift of righteousness. Death has no power over me. I will live forever with You. Jesus was the Messiah, He is my Savior, and I have made Him my Lord. I now get to walk with You Father, and You walk with me. Our intimacy produces an environment where I am able to discover the purpose You fashioned for me before the world began. And I then release my faith to walk in Your power as I pursue it. Knowing who Jesus is and changed everything for me. I now enter this day ready to tell others about a man who came to save all men. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
