“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
When I read this a question comes into my mind, “Why did Jesus take them across the Sea of Galilee and into a Gentile city to reveal who he was?”
Caesarea Philippi wss named after Caesar Augusta, Phillip II. It was a city that was built to honor Caesar, It is the city where many scholars believe was the birthplace of the emperors cult: the worship of Caesar as God, of being divine.
Before the city’s name was changed to the name of the city to Caesarea Philippi, it was originally named Panias. It was named after the god Pan. When Phillip renovated the city he changed the name.
In a cliff in Panias, (Caesarea Philippi) was a cave with a spring running out of it. The cave was called “The Gate to Hell.” It was believed to be the entrance or access or gate to the underworld. The access to the gods. Pan was the Fertility god and you could access him and others at this cave. So the city and especially the area around the cave was a brothel of worship to various gods. Statues and idols of all the gods were found here. There were many stores and stands all around selling trinkets, small idols, potions, images and other religious items honoring these gods, They did despicable religious acts and sacrifices here in around the cave. Temple prostitutes were purchased, sex with goats, sacrificing babies and other vial acts were committed. It was the red light district of idols and Gods.
When Jesus actually brought his disciples there they would have been shocked! No jew would ever go there! They would absolutely avoid it. Being there would make them un-clean, It was a city where people were eagerly knocking on the door to hell.
Yet Jesus took them there, and middle of all these despicable things, in front of this “Gate To Hell”with all these tall statues of gods around the cave and them as a backdrop, and he asked them. “Who do you say I am?”
And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Jesus took them there, in the middle of all these false gods and their worshipers to declare to them I am not just another god. I am not simply the Jewish messiah and deliver, Lord of the Jewish people. I am the Lord over all the world, over all these gods. And none of these Gods or these gates of hell will prevail against me. I am the way, the truth, and the life of not just the Jews, but of the world.
And that truth still remains today as walk walk through life with all the gods and false idols that surround us and ask for our devotion. We live in a pluralistic society and when Jesus states I alone am the way, we do not like that. We want options. We lives in a world of options. What do you mean the only side that comes with that dish is asparagus? What do you mean there is only one model of car to choose from? What do you mean there is only one way of doing something? My way of the highway. We live in a world we created of options and choices. Options and choices of right behaviors, right lifestyles, right spirituality, and saviors.
And Jesus pushes back into the lives of those who want to be his disciples, both past nd present, and says “No!” There is only one option. I am the only option. ” I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
My family, I pray today in the middle of all the false gods and idols tht surround you asking for your devotion, you will fall on your knees and declare that Jesus you are the only way, the only truth, and the only source of life. Please pray the same for me.. God bless you my friends!
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