Isn't it incredible to be allowed to follow His steps?!?

Isn't it an unfathomable privilege to be allowed to hear His voice, to be the recipient of His questions, and to be the object of His affection?

What an incredible Savior. What a wonderful God! Praise the Lord!

We're following Him. We're knowing Him more. We'll continue to see Him more and pray that others will be exposed to His undeniable reality and love through us. Can you imagine the joy as the knowledge of Christ spreads?!? Let's press forward to see those days!

Today, we'll hear another question from Jesus. It's not about the others anymore. It was somewhat uncomfortable for the disciples to have to dig and squirm and define what others said about Him. It was for me too as I thought through the study yesterday. How about you?

I wonder how Peter felt about looking at Jesus and being the one willing to speak up and answer. He was willing follow, to answer, and to speak up even when it was uncomfortable. Because He was resolved.

And so once again, we see Jesus fully turn His gaze upon the face of Simon, and ask a question. “And you. Who do you say that I am?”

Simon's first encounter and call from Jesus was a statement. It was a fact.

Now Jesus invited Simon to make a statement of his own. Are you willing to make a statement? Many of you already have in this study, we've spent many days discussion what we [KNOW] about Jesus. The Savior was asking His devoted disciple after all of the time that had spent following to now gather his information and decide what He knew. No matter how long you've followed Jesus, you're always being invited to go another step further. Every day.

Simon was resolved.

Right or wrong, Simon was desperate for more of Jesus. The other disciples didn't step forward. They didn't say what they knew. (Sounds familiar from yesterdays study, doesn't it, as we consider even other Christians around us?) But Simon was willing to walk on the water again, to put action behind his faith, to allow his faith to become sight for others.

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

Simon stood surrounded by followers of Jesus... who's actions repeatedly showed doubt. Sure. They were defined as being disciples, followers, friends, and they were. But Simon was the one willing to speak up. Willing to make a mistake. Willing to get a funny look from a friend.

“You are God. Period. You are the Great I AM. You don't need me to define you. I need you to define me.” Are you willing to say that? Simon was. He wasn't just willing. He said it.

And that's just what Jesus did. Again.

Jesus wanted Simon to be willing to say, to live, and to share what he knew. It was then that Jesus reaffirmed what HE KNEW... about Simon.

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church...” Matthew 16:18

A further revelation from the leader to His follower. A revelation of victory. For an ordinary, mistake-filled, resolved man.

Many times we want to hear the plan from Jesus before we're willing to share our plans “for Him.” In this scenario, who does it sound like is trying to lead?!?

He is God. We are not. The work is to believe. Faith is the victory.

“Come. Follow me. And I will make you....”

For today.

Think about this... what is more important to you? What you KNOW about God....

Or what God knows about... you.

What are you striving for?

Are you really following God? Or are you following circumstances.

For discussion: Today... as you go about your day what is something that you know about God that you can practically say out loud to another person? Believer or unbeliever.... it's common knowledge, it's undeniable reality, He's the God of us all (like it or not!) and His love knows no bounds. So. What do you know? What can you share today? Are you resolved?