The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Matthew 16:13-18, “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’
14 And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’
15 He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’
16 Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
17 And Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
18 ‘I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.’”

There are no accidents in Scripture! What the LORD had promised to the Old Testament saints, He fulfilled in the hearts and lives of their New Testament children.

Previously, Jesus had spoken commendingly of John the Baptist. He had also made emphasis of the prophets Elijah and Jeremiah. So now, with them in the background of the conversation, He asks, “But who do you say that I am?” That’s a vital question for us as well. Who is Jesus Christ to you?

If your friends are like some of mine, there’s always a “speedy spokesman” in the group. He (or she) always responds more quickly than anyone else. Simon Peter was that “speedy spokesman” in Jesus’ group. Immediately, he replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus blessed him for his quick and accurate response, yet Peter did not have that answer within himself. He was speaking what his Heavenly Father had put within his mind to say. I have to admit that I’m one of those “ready speakers”; yet not everything I say (I’m compelled to admit) always comes from the LORD. Are you like Peter? Or are you more like me? (We’ll, let’s keep your answer between the two of us. Okay?) Just remember that if you truly belong to Him, He will put into your heart, mind and mouth what is necessary to say to others. Thus, you can then speak freely.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom