Matthew 16:20 English Standard Version (ESV) Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

Yesterday we spoke about witnessing Christ. Later in the same chapter Jesus strictly forbids His disciples from telling anyone that He is the Christ. The next section of this chapter is about the events leading up to His crucifixion. Most of us can see that the command to keep silent was a temporary order that would be rescinded later. Nothing was to interfere with the forward momentum of His sacrifice.

After His ascension, why weren’t they spreading the gospel immediately? There were forty days between Passover and His ascension and another ten days after that before Pentecost. Why so long between the proof of His resurrection and their witnessing to the religious community?

Acts 1:7-8 English Standard Version

⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Jesus did not rescind His order to remain silent until just before His ascension. It was another 10 days before the Holy Spirit moved on them with power at Pentecost. There will always be this issue of insecurity within us as to when God will enact His will. God’s timing is perfect and we should look for His movement while not acting in our own strength.

Habakkuk 2:3 English Standard Version (ESV) For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Just because we can see it coming does not give us the authority to make it happen.

Matthew 16:13-17 English Standard Version

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

¹³ Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴ And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” ¹⁵ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

Has anyone asked you, “Who is this Jesus?” I confess no one has asked me that question. Maybe the reason is because many people have already formed an opinion about Jesus. While it has not happened yet, there may come a time when someone does. We should all have an answer ready that is personal and believable. What is the point of answering this question if we do not have a realistic expectation of being believed?

“He is MY personal LORD and Savior.”

That is my answer and my hope is that by including emphatic words it might lead to further discussion because this is a personal question. We cannot answer for everyone, nor should we try. The generic canned answers do not elicit strong emotional connection to this relationship which is both profound and deeply passionate. If we cannot show our passion for Christ, why would anyone want to investigate a relationship for themselves?

We don’t have to be sappy about it but a certain amount of enthusiasm can go a long way in extending the conversation. What is the point of telling of His great love if we act nonchalant in the telling? Imagine running into an old friend you have not seen in years and they have never met your spouse.

 How would you describe your soulmate?