Peter Declares Jesus is the Messiah
(Matthew 16:13-20)
One day, Jesus and his disciples traveled north to a place called Caesarea Philippi. This town was known for its many temples and statues of false gods. People there worshiped other things, but Jesus wanted his followers to be very clear about who he truly is.
As they walked among the rocky cliffs and caves, Jesus stopped and asked his disciples a question. "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" The disciples looked at each other. They had heard many things. "Some say you are John the Baptist," they answered. "Others say you are Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Then Jesus looked right at them and asked a harder question. "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter, who often spoke first, stepped forward. He did not hesitate. "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," Peter declared.
Jesus smiled. He told Peter that this truth did not come from any human teacher. "Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven," Jesus said. Then Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means rock. Jesus said, "On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it."
Jesus was not saying Peter himself was the rock. The rock is the true confession that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. That truth is the foundation of everything. Jesus promised that his church, all his people who believe in him, would stand forever. Even death and evil cannot destroy it.
Then Jesus gave Peter special keys to represent authority in God's kingdom. Finally, Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone yet that he was the Messiah. The time was not right. They still had much to learn about how he would save people by dying on a cross and rising again.
A Curious Question
What makes you so sure that Jesus is the Son of God, and how did Peter know it without anyone telling him?
Old Testament Connection
Long before Jesus came, God promised to send a special King called the Messiah. In 2 Samuel 7:12-16, God made a covenant with King David. He promised that one of David's descendants would rule forever. Peter declared that Jesus is that promised King. Also, the title "Son of the living God" connects to Psalm 2, where God says, "You are my son; today I have become your Father." Jesus fulfilled these ancient promises perfectly.
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus first asked what other people said about him before asking what the disciples believed?
2. How could Peter know that Jesus was the Messiah when other people thought Jesus was just a prophet or John the Baptist?
3. Jesus said the gates of hell will not overcome his church. What do you think that means for us today?
So What? What Can I Do?
1. When someone asks you who Jesus is, what will you say? Practice one sentence you could share.
2. Peter believed Jesus was the Son of God even when it was hard. Is there a hard truth about Jesus you need to believe today?
3. Jesus is building his church with people who believe in him. How can you help your church family grow stronger?
Memorize God's Word
Matthew 16:16 - "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
• You point one finger toward another person or toward the front of the room.
• are the Messiah place both hands over your heart and nod your head yes.
• the Son point up to heaven with both index fingers.
• of the living God spread both arms wide and then bring your hands together as if holding something precious.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you for showing Peter who Jesus really is. Please help us believe with all our hearts that Jesus is the Messiah, your Son. Give us courage to tell others this wonderful truth. Amen.
Craft or Activity
Rock of Truth Card
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Rock of Truth Card:
- Fold a piece of heavy paper in half to make a card.
- On the front of the card, write "Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God" from Matthew 16:16.
- Paint or color your rock with a small cross or the word "Truth". Let it dry completely.
- Use glue dots to attach the rock to the inside of the card.
- Give the card to someone this week to remind them that Jesus is our solid rock.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For younger children, bring a real rock to hold during the story. Let them touch it and feel how solid it is. For older kids, discuss the history of Caesarea Philippi, a place full of pagan worship. Explain that Jesus asked his biggest question in the middle of false gods to show he is the only true God. To help memory work, repeat the verse with hand motions five times at different volumes (loud, whisper, robot voice, etc.).