13 When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 He pressed them, “And how about you? Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. 18 And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. 19 “And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.” 20 He swore the disciples to secrecy. He made them promise they would tell no one that he was the Messiah.
- Light a candle remembering Christ’s presence with you.
- Spend 5 to 15 minutes in silent meditation, allowing your deep breathing to guide you.
- Imagine Jesus in your presence. He asks, “Who do you say I am?”
- What is your reply?
- Allow these words to sink deeply within you.
- Hear Jesus say, “God bless you, (insert YOUR name), beloved child of God!”
- Allow these words to sink deeply within you.
- Hear Jesus say, “I am going to tell you who you are, really are.”
- What words do you hear?
- Hear Jesus also say, “And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth.”
- All these words to sink deeply within you.
- What do you notice within you?
- Give thanks to God that we no longer must keep the secret of the Messiah, for the Messiah has died for us and has been raised for us.
- What is it that you wish to tell? Who will listen?
- Give thanks to God for the messages you receive and for the strength to share the good news.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.