Peter Declares Who Jesus Is

Matthew 16:13-20

The Big Idea

Peter recognized and confessed who Jesus is. We can listen carefully to Jesus and learn about his identity.

The Bible Story

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

In Matthew 16:13–16, Jesus comes to the region of Caesarea Philippi and asks his disciples who people say the Son of Man is. They report several opinions: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Jesus then asks who they say he is. Simon Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The passage presents this as Peter’s confession about Jesus’ identity. Matthew continues by recording Jesus’ blessing of Simon and his teaching about the Father in heaven, Peter, the church, the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and binding and loosing. Jesus then instructs the disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Christ. This page focuses on Peter’s declaration and should not add later events or explanations beyond the passage.

Themes

God’s revelation Jesus’ authority Jesus’ identity as the Christ and Son of the living God Peter’s confession The disciples’ instructed silence

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

A clear teaching scene showing Jesus with his disciples as he asks who they say he is. Simon Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Give Jesus and Peter distinct appearances, with the other disciples visibly listening. Keep the setting generally within the region of Caesarea Philippi without adding an unstated activity or gathering place.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did Peter say about Jesus?
Why is it important to listen when Jesus teaches?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page for a Bible lesson, classroom discussion, or family reading about Jesus’ identity and Peter’s confession. Read Matthew 16:13–20 from a trusted Bible, then explain that “Christ” is the title used in Peter’s confession. Keep discussion centered on the supplied passage.

Source note