Matthew 16:13-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 16:13-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" Verse 14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Verse 15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Verse 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Verse 17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. Verse 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Verse 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Verse 20Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Devotion
I am always amazed by the accounts of the faithful saints who, in the face of persecution, hold fast to proclaiming Christ as their Lord and Savior. Cassie Bernall was shot and killed by Eric Harris in the Columbine High School shooting after professing her faith in Christ. She, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Corrie ten Boom and countless others, have looked death in the face, confident in their faith and their salvation in Christ. Yet we, amidst relative comfort and freedom, have difficulty confidently proclaiming the same faith on a daily basis. Like the disciples, you and I are called to proclaim Christ and his benefits whether we live in persecution or relative comfort.
Prayer
God of freedom, help us to proclaim your name boldly to all the world. Amen.