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Matthew 16:13-15
Why living under authority is the best thing for us
Nathan Harrison
January 30th, 2024
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?”
A.B. Bruce said it best: the disciple’s first duty isn’t leading, but following.
It feels restricting, but it’s actually liberating.
In holding onto authority, we hold ourselves back. In clinging to control, we relinquish much-needed rest. We’ll remain confused as to who Jesus really is, cherry-picking his teachings that best align with our agenda, and dispensing with the rest.
Jesus’ question is for our benefit: “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”
Our response opens our eyes to one of two things:
The reasons for why we’re so burdened (and which areas), or
Evidence around us and within us that Jesus really is Savior.