Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

Intention

To pray that God would be pleased to reveal to our fellow Australians the answer to life’s most important question: Who do you think Jesus is?

Scripture

“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?’

“Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’

“Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.’”

– Matthew 16:13–17

Reflection

At the half-way point of his Gospel, Matthew records that Jesus drew His disciples aside to ask them two significant questions.

After more than a year of following Jesus and witnessing His teaching and miracles, Jesus asks them: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

This may seem like an academic question, examining the people’s knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures. Did they know the prophecies about the Son of Man, or really expect them to be fulfilled?

Yet Jesus’ second question to the disciples reveals that His initial enquiry was leading to a far more poignant question.

To Jesus’ first question, the disciples offer the suggestions of John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Upon hearing their suggestions, Jesus then sharpens his attention upon the twelve with the penetrating question: “But who do you say that I am?”

The subtle movement from asking about the “Son of Man” to Jesus Himself (who “I am”) is not lost on the disciples. Simon Peter immediately responds: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus blesses Peter for his insight – an insight that has been revealed by His Father in heaven. Only God can open blind eyes.

There is no more important question that anyone could answer than the one Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do you think Jesus is?”

Sadly, if one asked the average Australian who the Son of Man is, one might expect little comprehension of the question. In parts of Australian society, even the name of Jesus is unknown.

I well remember a Scripture teacher in a local Sydney primary school, who was explaining the birth of Jesus. In response, one child asked: “Why would Mary and Joseph choose a swear word to name their son?” The only time the child had heard the name of Jesus was in blasphemous exclamation.

Our mandate from the risen Lord is to make disciple of all nations, explaining who Jesus is and why He came to die and rise again, so that we might have eternal life.

No greater question could be posed to our fellow Australians than to ask: “Who do you think Jesus is?”

May God be pleased to reveal the answer to them.

Video

Prayer

Our heavenly Father, as You revealed the true identity of Jesus to Simon Peter, we pray that You would reveal Jesus to many Australians. We ask that they might know and understand that He is Your Son, the promised Messiah, for He alone offers us eternal life, forgiveness of our sins and cleansing from all unrighteousness.

We ask this in the name of Him who lived the life we could not live, and died the death that we deserve, even Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Author Bio

Bishop Glenn Davies has served as the bishop of the Diocese of the Southern Cross since August 2022. Ordained in 1981 in the Anglican Church of Australia, he served as a Bible college lecturer and the Bishop of North Sydney before becoming the Archbishop of Sydney in 2013 until 2021.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ, His Son.

Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:

DATES: Every night from Sunday, 4 April to Sunday, 8 June

TIME: 8 PM (AEST), 7:30 PM (SA & NT), 6 PM (WA)

ZOOM URL LINK: zoom.us/j/776881184

ZOOM TUTORIAL: youtube.com/watch?v=pAMDxH_H_Cs

View GO Month 2025 devotionals

___

Photo via Adobe.