The Son and the Savior (May 8, 2024)

“Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”” (Matthew 16:16)

One of the most helpful God-given skills that we often take for granted is the ability of recognition that allows us to respond appropriately to daily circumstances. Whether or not we are focused on people, places, or things, it is vitally important that we be able to recognize who, where, and what they are. For example, we recognize other people by their facial features, the sound of their voices, and the mannerisms we have come to associate with them. By the same token, we discern where we are located by known landmarks that are characteristic of particular places. Indeed, in order to get where we want to go, identify the various objects that are part of our everyday lives, and interact successfully with other people we must first recognize them and then respond accordingly.

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

The power of recognition is as vital to healthy spiritual lives as it is to successful living in the physical world. This biblical example comes to mind. While the vast majority of the Jews of the nation of Israel failed to recognize Jesus Christ as their long-awaited Messiah and crucified Him, the Roman centurion who witnessed Jesus’ death on the Cross got it! “So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”” (Mark 5:26) Avoid worldly deception and do not be blinded to the absolute truth of God’s Word! Recognize that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world and that only through faith in Him, believers are saved by God’s grace and have everlasting life!