Peter Was Sure that Jesus Is the Christ (John 6:66-69)
Introduction:
1. On this occasion the Lord's teaching was challenging to some of the people who were present. 2. Consequently, many of His disciples stopped following Him (vs.66). 3. (vs.67) Jesus asked the apostles if they would leave Him. 4. Peter made some wonderful statements in vs.68-69. a. (vs.68) He stated that Jesus has "the words of eternal life." b. (vs.69) Speaking on behalf of the other apostles, Peter stated how he was sure that Jesus is the Christ. 5. The theme of our lesson: "Peter was sure that Jesus is the Christ." Discussion: I. PETER ALSO STATED HIS CONVICTION IN MATTHEW 16:13-17
A. According to vs.13-14, people were confused about the Lord's identity. B. We learn from vs.15-16 that Peter was not confused. C. (vs.17) Jesus said that: 1. Peter was "blessed" for properly recognizing Him 2. the Father revealed this information to Peter. II. LET US EXAMINE HOW THE FATHER REVEALED THIS INFORMATION TO PETER
A. Later, Peter heard the Father recognize Jesus as His Son at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-5; 2 Peter 1:16-18). B. However, God revealed the Lord's identity to Peter before the Transfiguration. C. Peter saw Jesus demonstrate His divine power on many occasions. 1. He saw Jesus heal his mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15). 2. He saw Jesus feed 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matthew 14:15-21). 3. He saw Jesus calm a great storm (Matthew 14:24-33). 4. He saw Jesus feed 4,000 men (Matthew 15:32-38). D. Through evidence such as this the Father revealed the identity of His Son to Peter. E. Peter never changed his mind (Acts 2:22, 36). Conclusion:
1. Peter was sure that Jesus is the Christ. 2. Jesus showed in Matthew 10:32-33 why we must have the same conviction about His identity that Peter had. 3. According to John 20:30-31, examining the same evidence will lead us to reach the same conclusion. 4. Let us follow the instructions given in: a. John 5:39 b. 2 Peter 3:18.
