Who Really Is Jesus?

WHEN the boat carrying Jesus and his disciples puts in at Bethsaida, the people bring a blind man to him and beg that he touch the man and heal him. Jesus leads the man by the hand outside the village and, after spitting in his eyes, asks: "Do you see anything?" "I see men," the man answers, " because I observe what seem to be trees, but they are walking about." Laying his hands on the man's eyes, Jesus restores his sight so that he sees clearly. Jesus then sends the man home with the instructions not to enter into the city.

Jesus now leaves with his disciples for the villages of Caesarea Philippi, in the extreme north of Palestine. It is a long ascent, covering about 30 miles, to the beautiful location of Caesarea Phillipi, some 1,150 feet above sea level. The trip probably takes a couple of days.

On the way, Jesus goes off by himself to pray. Only about nine or ten months remain before his death, and he is concerned about his disciples. Many have already left off following him. Others are apparently confused and disappointed because he rejected the people's efforts to make him king and because he did not, when challenged by his enemies, provide a sign from heaven to prove his kingship. What do his apostles believe about his identity? When they come over to where he is praying, Jesus inquires: "Who are the crowds saying that I am?"

Some say John the baptist," they answer, "others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Yes, the people think Jesus is one of these men raised from the dead!
"You, though, who do you say I am?" Jesus asks. Peter quickly responds: "You are the Christ , the Son of the living God."

After expressing approval of Peter's response, Jesus said: " I say to you, You are Peter, and on this rock-mass, I will build my congregation, and the gates of Hades will not over-power it." Here Jesus first announces that he will build a congregation and that even death will not hold its members captive after their faithful course on earth. then he tells Peter: "I will give you the kingdom of the heavens."

Next time: Conclusion of Who Really Is Jesus?

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991