1. Who do people say I am? (27-28)

Jesus wanted to teach his disciples that he was the Messiah, the only Savior, the very Son of God. Only those who have a personal relationship with Jesus can know who he really is. The crowds knew that Jesus was a man sent from God. They had seen his miracles and heard his teachings. They came to him for his help and blessing. They longed for his shepherd's love. But they believed in him in their own way, so they did not really know him.

2. But who do you say I am? (29-30)

Peter confessed, 'You are the Christ.' This meant, 'You are the Son of God, my Savior and Lord' (Mt 16). The disciples had come to know Jesus by being with him. They had left everything and committed their lives to him. They loved him; they came to know, not just with their heads but with their hearts as well, that he is the promised Messiah, the Giver of life. We can know him only when make a conscious decision to commit our lives to him and obey him.

Application: Lord, help me to spend time with you until I can make Peter's confession my own.
One Word: Jesus is my Savior and Lord