Peter's Confession

Mark 8:27-30 - pivotal point in book of Mark.  

The setting:  Caesarea Philipi - 30 miles north of Sea of Galilee, 120 miles north of Jerusalem

Is a major spring, primary source of the Jordan River.  Huge cave there, spring originally flowed from the mouth of the cave from a deep abyss.  (earthquakes have diverted the flow)

Because of the spring = place of Pagan Worship - early was to "Pan" - Greek god of forests
Pan - 1/2 man, 1/2 goat

The cave = Portal to the Underworld - Gateway to Hades!!
Story is told that they would offer sacrifices by casting into the spring.  if offering disappeared, it meant was accepted.  if floated out, not accepted..(tradition says that children were also offered)

Became the place of temples and worship 

temple of Herod, then Augustus, later = Philip to Tiberius

Matt. 16:13-18 - use of 'gates of hell' = coincidental???

In the text:

The People's View of Jesus - good man, great man, miracle worker, messenger from God, a prophet (a Revisiting Prophet!)  They were expecting a man anointed by God to free them from their enemies.  

Peter's View - (and the other disciples)
On one hand, He is Messiah (according to Jewish expectation)
However, He is More than Messiah!!  - "Son of Living God.."
Point = a recognition of His Deity!! - to what extent??  Don't know.
But ... more than an anointed man!!

Jesus' Response - not a denial of Peter's statement .. but =
(1)  affirmation of Peter's confession
On one hand, "Peter... you got that right!"
However, NOT by own reasoning!  "revealed by the Father"

(2)  statement of Peter's transformation - "Simon into Peter" (the rock)
in other words, "Peter, you are blessed .. but this = just beginning!!"

(3)  a declaration concerning His church
vs.  the world's (many) out callings.  word for church meant any called out gathering.

Question:  Was this conversation for only Peter?  the 12"
OR does it have application for us?  today?

#1.  Do you know what your neighbor says about Jesus?
on one hand, it doesn't matter (doesn't change the truth, facts)
However, this = your ministry field!   Begins with:  "where are you NOW?"

#2.  do you know where YOU stand concerning Jesus?
Have you  (A)  confronted the issue? - example:  Liar, Lunatic, Lord
               (B)  made a personal decision?  "MY Lord"
or            (C)  are you willing to leave it unaddressed?  (note:  your answer/response has eternal consequences!!)

#3.  IF you've recognized Jesus as Lord .. it's because God has revealed it to you.!!
Matt. 16:17, John 6:44-45 - listen and respond
        (A) IF He's called you .. He's chosen you!!
In exploring the mystery of election, DO NOT overlook the privilege of election!!

        (B)  IF He's called you... He will enlighten you.  1 Cor. 2:9-10
(reasonable prayer here = "Lord, if this be true then show me, help me see!"

#4.  IF You've recognized Jesus as Lord... you much still decide if you'll make Him YOUR Lord!
Example:  demons, Judas Iscariot

#5.  If you accept (receive) Him as your personal Lord, you will experience a new birth.
(beginning) - John 1:11-13 - child, heir, co-heir with Christ

#6.  IF you accept (receive) Him as your personal Lord, you will begin a personal transformation!
example:  Simon into Peter.

Contrast:  Positional Righteousness ... immediate
         vs.  Practical righteousness ... gradual change
Example:  Peter's Rebuke!!  nevertheless Phil. 1:6

#7. When you accept (Receive) Him as your personal Lord... you become part of HIS church
ie:  HIS called out group (versus the world's groups)

Which IS Universal - Christ's called out group
Which will be Triumphant! - over evil, gates of Hell

Big difference = then the disciples = don't tell!! - not yet His time!
                        now all = DO TELL!!!

So.... do you Know?  recognize who Jesus is??
         have you accepted?  received?  (bent your knee?)
         will you follow?  (grow, transform?)
         will you tell?

Closing Scripture:  Matt. 28:18-20