December 14 - Caesarea Philippi

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Caesarea Philippi is only mentioned once in the gospels (Matthew 16:13; Mark 8:27). It is one of the most beautiful and fertile places in Israel, which made it prime real estate for worship. So, it’s no wonder that upon entering this region, Jesus asks Peter the most penetrating and life-giving question possible: Who do people say that the Son of Man is? In response, Simon Peter proclaims, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

Oh, the sweet confession of Christ at Christmas! Amid the beauty and pageantry of the Christmas season—trees bedecked with lights and ornaments, candle-lit windows, warm blankets, roaring fires, and soft carols playing in the background—can you hear the Savior calling out, “But who do you say that I am?”

Interestingly, Caesarea Philippi is also the likely region where Jesus takes his three closest disciples up to the top of a high mountain to reveal his true self gloriously in the Transfiguration. The carpenter’s boy from Nazareth was so much more than a great rabbi. And his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light (Matthew 17:2).

This is the place, then, where Jesus’ true identity was most clearly witnessed, both in word and deed. Peter’s confession and Jesus’ mysterious transformation left no doubt that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Savior of the world. May the eyes of your heart fall upon the Majestic One this Christmas in worship and praise.

Pastor Joe Pytleski
Sturgeon Bay Community Church



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