Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ²⁰  And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”

 ²¹  But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone,

 ²²  saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.”  Luke 9:18-22.

Just knowing who Jesus is, such as the son of Mary and Joseph, is not sufficient.  Obviously, the twelve disciples knew Jesus’ name and identity.  Jesus was not asking for a Notary Public when he asked “Who do the people say that I am?”.

Jesus was asking His disciples to reveal their knowledge about His chief characteristics.  When Peter answered “The Christ of God”, Peter was saying, in effect:  “You are the One and Only Anointed One of God.  You are the Messiah.”  

Calvin in his commentary states:  “16. Thou art the Christ. The confession is short, but it embraces all that is contained in our salvation;  for the designation Christ, or Anointed, includes both an everlasting Kingdom and an everlasting Priesthood, to reconcile us to God, and, by expiating our sins through his sacrifice, to obtain for us a perfect righteousness, and, having received us under his protection, to uphold and supply and enrich us with every description of blessings. Mark says only, Thou art the Christ. Luke says, Thou art the Christ of God.  But the meaning is the same;  for the Christs (χριστοί) of God was the appellation anciently bestowed on kings, who had been anointed by the divine command. …” 

We are reminded of one of my favorite Scriptures.  I quoted it in my last devotion.  “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.  (Emphasis added.)

The vast majority of people believe that Jesus really existed.  Many religions hold Jesus in esteem.  Many would answer that question of “Who do people say that I am?” as a “Prophet” or a “Great Teacher”.  And, Jesus was both.  But, Jesus was much more than a Prophet and Great Teacher. 

Jesus is a Savior.  Jesus “exercises lovingkindness”. 

But, Jesus is also more than a Savior. 

Jesus is a King.  Jesus rules, punishes, and “exercises justice”. 

But, Jesus is also more than a Savior and a King. 

Jesus is “Our Righteousness”.  Jesus “exercises righteousness”.  Jesus does more than save us from our sins and the punishment of hell.  Jesus makes us “holy and righteous”.  “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.