Suggested Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-20
Devotional Thoughts:
Young boys with tough dads have few, if any, memories of their fathers crying. I have just one. Our family attended a passion play during the Easter season wherein Matthew 16 came to life. Jesus was asking his followers who they were saying He was. When he came to Peter, Peter sang, “You are the Christ – the Son of the Living God. I say You are the Christ – the Son of the Living God.” Peter sang this with the utmost confidence and assurance! This was the same Peter that had previously denied Christ three times and then wept in shame as Jesus was tried, beaten, and crucified.
I have only heard that song once in my life, but it may be my most poignant childhood memory. This may be true primarily because of what occurred in our car after the event. We began normal, routine conversation when my father began weeping. He said nothing. He just wept. Many years later, after denying Christ repeatedly himself, he surrendered His life to Christ. Any time I hear Jesus referred to as the Son of God, I think of the power of the cross breaking even someone like my tough dad. Next, I am reminded of my own moment to moment need for this same brokenness. We all deny Christ in unique ways, but most of them are rooted in self-reliance.
Peter was discipled by Christ Himself. Still, he doubted when walking on the water, and he later denied and disowned Christ. God used these experiences, however, to lead him to complete surrender and the public declaration, “You are the Christ!” We each have our own story. We have all doubted and denied Christ. God loves us through these moments and seasons, and He pursues our hearts relentlessly.
The entire gospel, and, therefore, our hope and future, hinges on who Jesus was and is. If Jesus is not the Son of God, none of His other names matter. His influence as the Great Physician, the Vine, and the Rock is irrelevant if He is not the Son of God. Only deity can bring salvation. Do you know Jesus as the Son of God? Have you experienced the salvation He offers?
Discussion Questions:
1. What convinced you that Jesus is the Son of God?
2. How has that reality impacted your life?
3. Where do you fall on the spectrum of self reliance to surrender?
The mission of Cambridge Christian School is to glorify God in all that we do; to demonstrate excellence at every level of academic, athletic, and artistic involvement; to develop strength of character; and to serve the local and global community.
