Matthew 16: The Confession Of Christ

“But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV)

Since Peter was a bold “stepper-outer,”  often the first to “man up,” move, or speak, he became our King’s leading disciple. Why? Consider some possible reasons. The Word shows Peter…

  • Declaring his sinful unworthiness,

  • Walking on water in faith-filled fervor,

  • Speaking up at Christ’s transfiguration,

  • Offering ideas (both good and bad),

  • Jumping from a boat to join Jesus quickly,

  • AND confessing Him first as Messiah.

Although Peter made notable mistakes, he also showed notable contrition - and even more… NOTABLE DEVOTION!

As champions say, 'Go big or go home.' Therein, Peter spent the rest of his life AFFIRMING the Savior he thrice denied.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You, too, are commissioned to confess Christ:

  • Not in a smug or superior way.

  • Not in a sharp, condemnatory way.

  • Not in an in-your-face, picket sign way.

  • Not in a snap-judgment, church-lady way.

But in a gentle and confident Way:

  • A Way that doesn't need words to show Him.

  • A Way that offers spiritual fruit.

  • A Way that embraces lonely people.

  • A Way that can lead wandering sheep home... 

To a Name that holds unequaled power: a power known best by humility.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

In all great scenes, timing is everything. Media’s most heralded performers embrace righteous pauses and rise in gaps. They're situationally perceptive.

They look for golden opportunities to share what their director has in mind… to an audience waiting to be moved.

Until then, show Jesus by how you act. Pay close attention to His Spirit’s lead, and He will prompt you when to state His case.

Matthew 16: The Confession Of Christ (Part 11)

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