Who is Jesus Christ? Who is Jesus Christ to me?

Have we ever been tested by actions, people, and circumstances? What kind of Christians are we? Did we know the correct answer?

Jesus asks us, like Peter: “And who do you think I am” (Mt 16:15). The surroundings of Caesarea Philippi gave Jesus space to withdraw into silence. Jesus performs miracles, signs, and wonders before the eyes of the apostles. He teaches and explains what they need help understanding. The apostles grow in faith. Their relationship and view of Jesus mature. It is here that Jesus asks them fundamental questions. People also asked themselves many questions about Jesus: “Who do people think the Son of Man is” (Mt 16:13)? They answer: “Some for John the Baptist, others for Elijah, and others for Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Mt 16:14). The disciples do not agree with people’s opinions. They cooperate more with the Spirit. Jesus devotes himself more to them. And that is why he asks the second question: “And who do you think I am” (Mt 16:15? Peter answers. Peter identifies Jesus as the Messiah: ” You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). The answer goes beyond the previous view of the apostles and people on Jesus. They realize that the words of the prophets apply to Jesus.

In Aramaic, Messiah means that Jesus is the One, the Unique. An eloquent and conscious contrast can be seen in the whole answer of Jesus. In the naming “Son of the living God,” one can see something extraordinary and unheard of until then. Peter receives an assurance from Jesus that Peter will mean strength and steadfastness for Jesus’ Church, where Jesus himself will be the cornerstone. Jesus himself places Peter as a rock, the Church’s foundation stone. Although even today, some theologians and churches do not accept the teaching of Rome that Jesus entrusted the whole Church to Peter, Peter is the first among the apostles. He receives the promise of power: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 16:19). These words indicate that Peter is the true representative of Christ on earth. Peter’s primacy passes to Roman bishops, popes.

Who do I think Jesus is? Words are not enough. Our life, actions, attitudes, and opinions, daily without realizing Jesus’ question, say who Jesus is for me. A high school professor was on a week-long trip with his class. The students were next to him. They knew him from school as a moral, well-rounded, brilliant teacher who knew how to explain and evaluate correctly. They did not know his life outside of school. Now they knew him as a person and a Christian. It took their breath away when, after dinner, before the program they had for the evening, he asked them if they would like to pray the rosary. Many did not even know the secrets of the rosary. Then, during the evening program, he entertained them, made them laugh, and at the same time, did not utter a single vulgar, ambiguous word or insult to anyone. That Sunday, many of them were happy to be in the church for mass after a while. And when they saw him go to communion, several boys from the class said to themselves that they had to be like him, and several girls said they wanted to have a man like him. The teacher did nothing extraordinary, just what he did every day.