Matthew 16: Pop Quiz In A Pagan Land

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you yourselves say that I am?”

Matthew 16:13-15 (NASB)

As He moved toward His Life's conclusion, Jesus traveled to His northernmost point: the town of Caesarea Philippi, a distance from His persecuting kin. 

We're not told of His work or purpose there. But He WAS prepping for His final show, and its central theme was REVELATION:

For His entry into Jerusalem, where He acknowledged His role as God’s Son… to the conclusion of His betrayal, where He became a Bloody Spectacle:

  • For His lonely climb and crucifixion, where He surrendered as the Lamb of God;

  • For His emergence from a darkened tomb in triumph, as the Resurrected Christ.

But preceding all of these unveilings was one question He asked His disciples– because the right Answer would change their lives.

“WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?”

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Even pagans in a distant city believed Jesus was supernatural. They offered guesses that seemed plausible.

Even the outsiders in Hollywood think supernatural forces exist. Studios, directors, and scriptwriters attempt to answer life-changing questions people then (and now) continue to ask:

  • What unseen forces work behind the scenes?

  • If demons are real, then what can we do?

  • If God is real, why do bad things happen?

  • If Christ is love, why do Christians show hate?

It's still a pop quiz in a pagan land. Expect to take it again and again. Your Answer can and will change everything.

Matthew 16: Pop Quiz In A Pagan Land (Part 10)

* Don Stewart: Why Did Jesus Call Himself the Son of Man?

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban