Foreshadowing of the Cross
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Jesus and His disciples had now come into one of the towns about
Caesarea Philippi. They were beyond the limits of Galilee, in a region
where idolatry prevailed. Here the disciples were withdrawn from
the controlling influence of Judaism, and brought into closer contact
with the heathen worship. Around them were represented forms of
superstition that existed in all parts of the world. Jesus desired that a
view of these things might lead them to feel their responsibility to the
heathen. During His stay in this region, He endeavored to withdraw
from teaching the people, and to devote Himself more fully to His
disciples.
He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But
first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be pre-
pared to receive His words. Upon joining them, He did not at once
communicate that which He desired to impart. Before doing this, He
gave them an opportunity of confessing their faith in Him that they
might be strengthened for the coming trial. He asked, “Whom do men
say that I the Son of man am?”
Sadly the disciples were forced to acknowledge that Israel had
failed to recognize their Messiah. Some indeed, when they saw His
miracles, had declared Him to be the Son of David. The multitudes
that had been fed at Bethsaida had desired to proclaim Him king of
Israel. Many were ready to accept Him as a prophet; but they did not
believe Him to be the Messiah.
Jesus now put a second question, relating to the disciples them-
selves: “But whom say ye that I am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the
Christ, the Son of the living God.”
From the first, Peter had believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Many
others who had been convicted by the preaching of John the Baptist,
and had accepted Christ, began to doubt as to John’s mission when he
was imprisoned and put to death; and they now doubted that Jesus was
the Messiah, for whom they had looked so long. Many of the disciples
who had ardently expected Jesus to take His place on David’s throne
left Him when they perceived that He had no such intention. But Peter
and his companions turned not from their allegiance. The vacillating
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course of those who praised yesterday and condemned today did not
destroy the faith of the true follower of the Saviour. Peter declared,
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” He waited not for
kingly honors to crown his Lord, but accepted Him in His humiliation.