Our spiritual growth often comes...
Illustration
Our spiritual growth often comes when someone asks the right question, the kind of question which challenges our comfortable faith and startles us out of our complacency. Jesus knew how to ask those kinds of questions; he still does -- when we're willing to tune into his conversation.
Jesus had led the Twelve to Caesarea Philippi, modern day Banyas, which is situated at the extreme northern region of Jewish territory. It was a district which had been peculiarly associated with idol worship. To this very day there are remains of temples and altars which were raised to other gods and goddesses. In close proximity to one another is a cave used for Baal worship, a niche for the Roman god, Pan, and the water nymph, and a niche for the unknown god of the Hellenist period. Herod the Great also raised a temple of white marble to Caesar Augustus at Caesarea Philippi. There is certainly some significance in the place where Peter's confession was made!
Having gathered his disciples around him at this remarkable place, Jesus said to them, "Tell me, boys, what do the folks really say about me? Who do you say that I am?"
The question for the hour is still the same. "Who do you say that Jesus is?" The world still has many options, or so it seems.
The answer is still critical. In your life, in your attitudes, and in your sense of values, who do you say Jesus is?
Jesus had led the Twelve to Caesarea Philippi, modern day Banyas, which is situated at the extreme northern region of Jewish territory. It was a district which had been peculiarly associated with idol worship. To this very day there are remains of temples and altars which were raised to other gods and goddesses. In close proximity to one another is a cave used for Baal worship, a niche for the Roman god, Pan, and the water nymph, and a niche for the unknown god of the Hellenist period. Herod the Great also raised a temple of white marble to Caesar Augustus at Caesarea Philippi. There is certainly some significance in the place where Peter's confession was made!
Having gathered his disciples around him at this remarkable place, Jesus said to them, "Tell me, boys, what do the folks really say about me? Who do you say that I am?"
The question for the hour is still the same. "Who do you say that Jesus is?" The world still has many options, or so it seems.
The answer is still critical. In your life, in your attitudes, and in your sense of values, who do you say Jesus is?
