As a small group sat in my living room looking at the word of God. We opened up the book of Matthew and began reading. As we were reading and studying this account of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ we came to this passage in Matthew 16:13-20.
"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ."
The question was asked, "Why would Jesus tell His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ?"
This is a great question! It hits a very important point in understanding a lot what happens in the pages of the new testament.
The Jewish people at this time in history as well as many still today were looking for a certain type of Messiah. The were looking for a priest-king would would rise up a Jewish military and lead Israel into victory. Overthrowing the oppressive pagan governments and establishing a kingdom of peace. If the people of Israel would have seen Jesus as a Messiah they would have rose up in rebellion and started trying to overthrow the Romans who where ruling the world. They were not looking for a suffering servant to bring God's kingdom into their everyday lives.
The Hebrews expected the kingdoms of this world to pass away as the Messiah ushered in His reign of peace.
Jesus came to bring peace but not by the sword. Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Matthew 26:52 Jesus brought a peace that transcends all understanding. A peace not controlled by our circumstances. He brought a kingdom that is available to all people. By His death He became the final passover lamb. As John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world."
Jesus understood the need for people to be able see the scriptures fulfilled before they could understand who He is. Just look at the cross. While Jesus was nailed to that Roman death pole He cried out, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46
This saying from the cross is pivotal to knowing who Jesus is. Let me explain:
During the time of Christ Rabbi's would teach great truths about God to both their disciples and any who would listen, "let he who has an ear hear."
What Rabbi's would do is this: they would call out a line from the Holy Writings so that other would know what scriptures this teaching was clarifying. Jesus using this rabbinical formula is urging people to see that He is fulfilling what God had reveled about Him.
Let us look at some of them:
Psalm 22:7 - the people will wag their heads at Him - Matt. 27:39; Mark 15:29 - the people wagged their heads at Jesus on the cross.
Psalm 22:7 - He will be mocked - Matt. 27:31; Mark 15:20; Luke 22:63; 23:36 - Jesus was mocked.
Psalm 22:16; Isa. 53:12 - He will be numbered with the transgressors - Matt. 27:38; Mark 15:27; Luke 23:32; John 19:18 - Jesus was numbered with the transgressors by being crucified between two thieves.
Psalm 22:16; Zech 12:10 - His hands and feet will be pierced and they will weep for the first-born - John 19:23,34,37 - Jesus' hands and feet were pierced and his followers wept for Him, the true first-born Son of Israel.
Psalm 22:17 - they will stare and gloat over Him - Matt. 27:36; Luke 23:35 - the people stood by and stared at Jesus on the cross.
Psalm 22:18 - they will divide His garments among them - Matt. 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23 - they divided Jesus' garments among them.
Psalm 22:18 - they will cast lots for His garments - Matt. 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:24 - they cast lots for Jesus' garments.
Here are 7 prophesies fulfilled in one day! Had something to say. Look to the scriptures. Everything written about me is taking place. Turn your hearts toward God. Accept His Son. "Father Forgive them they know not what the do!"
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