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Who Do People Say That the Son of Man is?
“Now when Jesus came into the district 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; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to Him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:13-17 NIV, emphasis added).
The issue of self-identity is not only a key question in Christianity but also the secular world, philosophy, and metaphysics. In 1978, the rock band The Who debuted a song entitled, “Who Are You.” The song was one of the band’s biggest hits in North America, peaking at number 7 in Canada and at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and has become one of the band’s signature tunes at their live shows. The starting lyrics are below.
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
The song did not offer any answer to the question it repeatedly posed. However, perhaps I had the song in my subconscious when years later, I did a Bible study based on the 307 questions in the Bible that Jesus asked. Each one offers us the opportunity for self-reflection and growth. I think these questions are particularly profound because they provide us the opportunity to prayerfully gain a greater insight into both Jesus and ourselves. As one who has endured many, many depositions as an expert witness, the deponent is not the only person revealing information about themselves. The individual posing the questions reveals their priorities in the form of questions.
As I think about all of the questions asked by Jesus, my mind is drawn Matthew 16:13-17 (emphasis added). “Now when Jesus came into the district 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; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to Him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”
I think the first question is important because it reminds us that others may have an incorrect understanding of Jesus. If somebody has an incorrect understanding of Jesus, they will not be able to have a proper understanding of themselves or others and all their relationships will be hindered because of this.
It is somewhat common for those going through a divorce to cite 2 Corinthians 6:14 as the primary cause for the rift. It warns, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” The questions contained herein are important. Indeed, righteousness cannot be partnered with lawlessness. Perhaps a deeper question to ask both parties is that of Jesus, “But who do you say I am?” It is possible that both parties are unable to answer this question or are truly equally yoked but yoked in varying degrees of unrighteousness? Although the enemy was the first to suffer from false righteousness, he was certainly not the last.
Our relationship with Jesus is personal and should not be based on the opinions of people that don’t truly know Him. Yes, we are called to love others and be in community with others but our relationship with God is one on one and is strengthened, see Proverbs 27:17, by others in the Body of Christ, not those with knowledge of Christ but chose to remain outside the Body. Sadly, they have foolishly exercised their freewill to choose death over life. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
Some people today, even Christian leaders, fail miserably to answer the question – “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? In contemporary Christian circles, the answer can range from a good role model, an important part of the Bible, or one of several pathways to Heaven. The Scripture “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6) signifies that Jesus is the only way to God and that salvation and eternal life are found through Him. This is not a reductionist, conservative, or a literal interpretation of Scripture but in fact is the Word of God. The only reliable method to interpret Scripture is with Scripture, and I would suggest starting with Hebrews 4:12-13.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for speaking to us through Scripture. Send your Spirit to teach us as we read much like You taught the travelers on the road to Emmaus. Help us to understand the significance of Your questions and grant us the wisdom to meditate on these questions to learn more about You and our identify in You. In life we are faced with many questions and many choices. Help us to make decisions that bring honor and glory to You and us closer to You. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Certified Lay Minister and Men’s Ministry Specialist through Francis Asbury Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a Board Member for Gulf South Men, an Action Team member for The Kingdom Group, and a Board Member for the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus. Todd is a contributor to Project XII and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. He is a Past President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and remains active in this and many other local, regional, and international ministries. Additionally, he’s the author of the inspiring book “Fathering A Special Needs Child.” Todd also enjoys filling the pulpit to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Todd is the proud father of Emma and Kyle and resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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