Connect Peter's confession to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Peter’s Confession: The Turning Point “ ‘But what about you?’ Jesus asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ ” (Luke 9:20) What Peter Meant by “The Christ of God” • Christ (Greek Christos) = Messiah (Hebrew Mashiach) = “Anointed One” • The title gathers every strand of Old Testament hope—King, Prophet, Priest, Deliverer, and God’s own Son. • By declaring it, Peter affirms Jesus as the long-awaited fulfillment of Scripture’s promises. Messianic Threads Woven Through the Torah • Genesis 3:15―Seed of the woman who will “crush” the serpent. • Genesis 12:3―Seed of Abraham who will “bless all the families of the earth.” • Deuteronomy 18:15―Prophet like Moses whom Israel “must listen to.” • 2 Samuel 7:12-13―Son of David whose throne God will “establish…forever.” The Promised King in the Psalms • Psalm 2:2, 6-7―“His Anointed…You are My Son.” • Psalm 110:1, 4―David calls Him “Lord,” enthroned at God’s right hand, yet also “a priest forever.” —These verses blend royal authority and priestly ministry, anticipating Jesus’ dual role (cf. Hebrews 5:6). Isaiah: The Child, the Branch, the Servant • Isaiah 7:14―Virgin-born “Immanuel” (“God with us”). • Isaiah 9:6-7―“Mighty God…Prince of Peace,” ruling on David’s throne. • Isaiah 11:1-2―Spirit-anointed Branch from Jesse. • Isaiah 53:3-5―Suffering Servant “pierced for our transgressions,” bringing healing. Daniel’s Son of Man and Zechariah’s Humble King • Daniel 7:13-14―“One like a Son of Man” given everlasting dominion. • Micah 5:2―Ruler born in Bethlehem, “from the days of eternity.” • Zechariah 9:9―King rides into Jerusalem “humble and riding on a donkey.” —Jesus’ triumphal entry (Luke 19:35-38) literally mirrors Zechariah’s picture. Jesus of Nazareth Checks Every Box • Birth: Virgin conception (Luke 1:31-35) and Bethlehem birthplace (Luke 2:4-7) fulfill Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2. • Lineage: Son of David (Luke 1:32-33); legal right to David’s throne. • Anointing: Baptism scene (Luke 3:21-22) echoes Isaiah 11:2—Spirit rests on Him. • Miracles & Teaching: Deuteronomy 18:15’s “prophet like Moses” authenticated by signs (Luke 7:22). • Suffering & Death: Isaiah 53 realized in the cross (Luke 23). • Resurrection & Exaltation: Psalm 16:10 and Psalm 110 confirmed (Acts 2:24-36). • Ascension & Reign: Daniel 7 language echoed in Acts 7:56; Hebrews 1:3. Why Peter Saw It Clearly • He witnessed healings, exorcisms, nature obeying Jesus—signs tied to messianic prophecy (Isaiah 35:5-6). • He heard teaching with divine authority, surpassing scribes (Psalm 119:99 fulfilled in the Word made flesh). • Moments later he will see the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36), where Moses and Elijah confirm Jesus’ identity. From Prophecy to Personal Conviction • Peter’s confession bridges Scripture and experience: prophecy meets present reality in Jesus. • Jesus affirms that flesh and blood did not reveal this (cf. Matthew 16:17)—God Himself opens eyes to truth. Living Out Our Own Confession • Hold Scripture as fully trustworthy; it consistently points to Christ. • Let Old Testament promises deepen confidence that Jesus is truly the Messiah, the Son of God. • Like Peter, move from observing Jesus to declaring Him—trusting, following, and proclaiming the One every prophecy anticipated. |
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