Good Friday, April 3, 2026 — Matthew 16:15
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”
LOOKING FOR THE MESSIAH
It is Good Friday. Shortly before this verse, Jesus came to the disciples walking on the water. Peter walked toward him for a short time and then began to sink. He called out “don’t let me drown.” Jesus saved him and then the disciples said that Jesus was the Son of God. Here he repeats his assertion of Jesus as the Christ. Yet shortly thereafter, early in the morning of Good Friday, Peter denied Christ three times.
That is not unusual. I find myself saying and believing that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and then denying that divinity numerous times. I may not use the words, but my actions and inactions speak for me. I look over the last year and can see numerous times when I failed God.
Peter was a Jew who had been told all his life about the coming Messiah. He had ideas about what the Messiah would be and do. Jesus performed miracles, but he did not always meet the expected image of a Son of God. On Good Friday, Christ failed to meet Peter’s expectations. He went to the cross, although he could have called on legions of angels. He allowed others to crucify him. I see this as a lesson for Peter (and me). Jesus is teaching Peter that the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, is much more than a powerful prophet. He is the salvation of all.
I also am looking for the coming Messiah. I have been told many things about how the second coming will be. In church history the second coming has been anticipated since Acts 1. Although Jesus said no one knows when it will be, a lot of Christians have thought and currently think they know. I don’t know if I am living in the last days, if Jesus will come back this year, this century, or this millennia. I also do not worry about these theoretical dates. I do know that for me, personally, I do not have another century to wait. For me, the second coming will be after my death, this year or in a few more years. Then I will see the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, just like Peter did.
Lord, help me. I know you are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. My actions may often say differently, but please grant me your grace. Soon let me see you and personally repeat Peter’s assertion. Amen
Russell Muse
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