The Great Confession
Month 9: The Road to Jerusalem · Memory Verse
Today's Scripture
Read together: Matthew 16:15-16
15 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Memory Verse
“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.””— Matthew 16:16 (BSB)memorize this week
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Jeremiah 41-44
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (A remnant flees to Egypt against God's word — a sad picture of choosing our own way.)The Heart of It
Today our whole focus is just two short lines. But they hold the heart of the gospel. Jesus asks, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answers, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." The church has called this "the Great Confession" for two thousand years, because everything else stands on it. Let's strip the verse down and look at its three weighty pieces. He is the Christ. That means the chosen, anointed Rescuer God promised long ago. He is the Son. That means truly God, not just sent by God. And He is the Son of the living God. That means the real and only God, not the dead idols all around them.
A confession like this is meant to be said. The Bible tells us, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (). Saying these words out loud is not magic. But a true heart that believes will not stay silent. As we memorize Peter's confession this week, we're doing more than learning a verse. We're practicing the words a disciple says with their whole life: Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Around the Table
Let's learn Peter's words: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Say it three times, getting louder each time!
Let's do it: Make up a hand motion for each part. Point up for "Son." Draw a crown for "Christ." Put a hand on your heart for "living God."
Our verse has three big truths. Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son. He is the Son of the living God. Can you say what each one means?
Let's talk: Why do you think Peter said it out loud instead of just thinking it?
Paul says that confessing Jesus and believing in your heart go together. Your mouth and your heart are meant to agree.
Let's go deeper: Is there anywhere you find it hard to say you follow Jesus? What makes confessing Him costly sometimes?
💬 Conversation Starter
What's something you believe so strongly you'd happily say it in front of anyone? Could you say that about Jesus?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
Critics sometimes claim "Christ" was just Jesus' last name. Not so. "Christ" means Messiah, the Anointed One promised across the Old Testament. Peter wasn't using a name. He was making a claim that the Rescuer of Israel had finally arrived ().
For Dad · Go Deeper
There is great pastoral wisdom in giving your children language for what they believe before the storms of doubt arrive. A memorized confession becomes a handhold in the dark. It gives them words to return to when feelings run dry or skeptics press hard. But guard against two errors. Do not treat the words as a guaranteed ticket regardless of the heart behind them. Jesus warned that "not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter" (). And do not treat the confession as a one-time transaction that needs no abiding. The same Peter who confessed here would later deny, weep, repent, and be restored. Confession is the start of a walk, not a box checked. Help your kids own these words and keep walking with the One they name.
Draws on: J. I. Packer, Knowing God; the Apostles' Creed.
Let's Pray Together
"Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Help us mean these words with our whole hearts. Help us say them with our whole lives. And keep us walking with You every day. In Jesus' name, amen."
A disciple doesn't just think the confession. We say it, and we live it.