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Opinions of the Multitudes

Text: Matthew 16 : 13 - 28

The true identity of Jesus – that was such an important thing to comprehend! But who had a true understanding of His identity? Jesus wanted to test His disciples as to their knowledge of His identity. Nothing must be taken for granted!

“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi,
He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I,
the Son of Man, am?’
So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah,
and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'”
MATTHEW 16:13-14

The opinion of the multitudes was well known to the disciples. Let’s take time to evaluate the opinions of the multitudes!

1. Superstitious concept

Why did the multitude think that Jesus was John the Baptist? Herod Antipas also had this same idea – that Jesus was just John the Baptist risen from the dead (Cf. Matthew 14:1-2). This view reflected little more than superstition!

2. Unclear comprehension

The multitudes were never quite sure who Jesus was. That did not speak very well of them. They were contented with what they knew – that Jesus was a good man, perhaps One of the prominent prophets sent back to earth by God to speak to His people once again! The sad thing is that if this was their belief, why had they not acted upon what they believed? Why had they not given better heed to this prophet sent from God?

3. An assessment of the popular opinions

Jesus did not comment on the general opinions of the multitude. He did not expect any better. They were just too focused on what they desired from Jesus – to be healed! They did not bother about discovering more! That He was silent is not without significance. How sad He must have been! How much harder He must have determined to work! How little time he had left on earth!

4. Observations about the opinions formed by the multitudes

Matthew would from time to time note how the multitudes felt toward Jesus.

a) Astonishment – “The people were astonished at His teaching…” Matthew 7:28

b) Marveling – “And the multitudes marveled…” Matthew 9:33

c) Amazement – “And all the multitudes were amazed and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?'” Matthew 12:23

These opinions were from those who were “open” to Jesus and His teachings! There were those who were offended at Him, for example those from Nazareth (Cf. Matthew 13:57)!

WHAT ABOUT THE DISCIPLES?

Jesus did not even bother to ask about the opinion of the scribes, the Pharisees or the Sadducees. Their opinions were all too clear. They had rejected Him as a law-breaker! They were plotting His destruction. There was no need to ask His disciples if they knew the opinion of their adversaries. Some had even charged Him with being in league with Beelzebul, the prince of the demons (Cf. Matthew 9:34; 12:24)!

However, it was important to Him that His disciples knew who He was! Thus He had to raise this all-important question to them, point blank!

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am ?’
Simon Peter answered and said,
‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!'”
MATTHEW 16:15-16

We may note that the disciples had progressed significantly in their understanding of Jesus. At least three movements may be seen!

1. The Stage of Marveling at Jesus

Though the disciples had been with Jesus for some time, they had probably not fathomed who their Master was! On one occasion when their faith was severely tested in a sudden storm that hit the boat they were in, they found themselves overwrought with fear. Jesus rose from His sleep and with a single word, quieted the tempest. Matthew noted the general feeling of the disciples.

“So the men marveled, saying,
‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'”
MATTHEW 8:27

2. The Stage of Growing Conviction

On another occasion, the disciples saw Jesus walking to them on a tumultuous sea. The disciples were afraid that perhaps they had seen a ghost! When Jesus finally walked up to them and stepped into their boat, with Peter rescued from drowning, the disciples gasped in further astonishment, and said,

“Truly You are the Son of God.”
MATTHEW 14:33

3. The Stage of Strong Conviction

The third important stage was reached when Peter made his famous declaration,

“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:16