Bible moment
The Bible moment
Matthew 16:13 begins a conversation between Jesus and his disciples in the region of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asks who people say the Son of Man is. The disciples report several answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. These are reports of what some people say, not the final answer in the passage. Jesus then asks who the disciples themselves say he is. Simon Peter answers that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus blesses Simon and says that this knowledge was revealed by his Father in heaven. The passage continues with Jesus speaking about Peter, his church, the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and authority concerning binding and loosing. Jesus ends by instructing the disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Christ. This page focuses only on the opening question, before Peter gives his answer.
Look closely
What children can notice
Jesus is shown asking his disciples who people say the Son of Man is, with the disciples looking thoughtful and ready to answer. Place the group in an open, non-specific part of the region of Caesarea Philippi, without inventing a building, road, meal, or named landmark.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What question did Jesus ask his disciples?
- Why can careful listening help us learn?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page to introduce Matthew 16:13 before reading the rest of the passage. Ask children to notice the difference between reports about Jesus and a personal response to Jesus. Keep the discussion centered on listening, thinking, and the question itself; do not supply Peter’s answer before reading the next part.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 16:13 · Peter’s Confession
Jesus is shown asking his disciples who people say the Son of Man is, with the disciples looking thoughtful and ready to answer. Place the group in an open, non-specific part of the region of Caesarea Philippi, without inventing a building, road, meal, or named landmark.
