Get in the Game Week 1: Thursday

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" Matthew 16:13

When asked to name a few people in their lives who do not have a relationship with Christ, many Christians cannot name one person in their life who does not have a relationship with Christ. I am convinced that this is not because they do not want to have friendships with people who do not know Christ. One of the main reasons that they do not know anyone who does not have a relationship with Christ is that they do not go places where they will interact with non-Christians. If we want to reach people for Christ, we must go to them and form intentional relationships with Him. This is the kind of ministry Jesus modeled while He lived on earth, and it is the kind of ministry we are called to follow.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus sought out unexpected people. He went to places no one would go, called people whom most people avoided to follow Him, and healed people whom most considered to be lost causes. One of the places Jesus went where most people avoided was Caesarea Philippi. We learned in the weekend sermon that Most God-fearing Jews avoided Caesarea Philippi because it was a place where pagan temples were set up, and people worshiped false gods. Although many people avoided this place, Jesus purposefully went there and had an intentional conversation there at Caesarea Philippi, the place where much idol worship and ungodly behavior took place. While in Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13). They answered this question saying, some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets" (verse 14). Then Jesus made His question more personal, saying, "But who do you say that I am?" (verse 15). Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (verse 16). Jesus was pleased with Peter's answer. He replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John… Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it" (verses 17-18). Jesus proclaimed in the place where most God-fearing people avoided, and pagan idol worship was rampant that He was going to build His church based on this confession of faith. The location of Caesarea Philippi signified that the church was for everyone who placed their faith in Jesus, not just Jews.

The hope of Jesus is for everyone, even those who many avoid and judge. He reached out to everyone, and as His followers, we must follow His example. The gospel message is not exclusive to those who we believe deserve to hear it. It is for everyone. May we make Christ known in all places, especially the places that become overlooked and avoided. His message is for everyone. Therefore, we must go to everyone.

Moving toward action

Where can you go to form intentional relationships with people who do not have a relationship with God? Maybe you can join a gym or frequent the same coffee shop where you go on the same days at the same time every week and strike up conversations with the people who work there. Maybe you do not have to actually go somewhere new. Maybe you need to be more intentional in the places you do go now, like speaking with your neighbors every time you take your dog for a walk or going to the grocery store at the same time and day every week so that you can see and talk to the same employees. Choose one place where you will go to intentionally have spiritual conversations and look for opportunities to share your faith.

Going Deeper

Going Deeper - Matthew 16:13-20