Luke 9:18-20 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?… I. WHAT DID PETER MEAN BY THIS PHRASEOLOGY? Undoubtedly he intended to express his belief that Jesus was the true Messiah. II. HOW DID PETER AND THE OTHER APOSTLES DISCERN IN SO SATISFACTORY A MANNER THAT JESUS WAS NO IMPOSTOR, AS SOME PRETENDED, BUT WAS INDEED THE CHRIST OF GOD? 1. It may be answered that their common sense was sufficient to discover this. 2. Though common sense might convince them of the excellence of the Saviour's character, they had more — there was a Divine impression on their minds giving clearer sight and more satisfactory conviction (See Matthew 16:17). 3. To this may be added, the discernment arising from their own faith, giving them experience of His faithfulness and goodness. 4. We may add, having more to judge upon than Peter had, we know this is the Christ of God by the effects of His death, the wondrous influence it has had, and still has. III. LET US, THEN, TRY OUR PERSONAL HOPES BY THIS DESIGNATION OF THE ONLY SAVIOUR ABLE TO REALIZE THEM. It is only the real Christ of God that saves with a real pardon, a real sanctification, a real crown of glory. 1. Is the Christ of the Socinians the Christ of God? 2. Let us look at the Christ of the Antinomians. 3. There is another sort of Christ spoken of by the self-righteous, who regard the Saviour only as a help, in case they cannot sufficiently help themselves. 4. Are not even believers apt to form notions such as injure the character of the Christ of God? (Isaac Taylor of Ongar.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? |
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