What insights lay within, and yet sometimes the only way to draw them out is by asking questions. I like to think of these things as deeper thoughts we know, but haven’t yet brought to the surface for attention.
I have often been inquisitive about when Jesus asked his crew, “Who do they say I am?” Not for a moment does God not know the hearts, thoughts and words spoken by all men, so I was left to dig into this more. What was He looking for?
I didn’t have to look too far. Some great mentors put into the path of my life often teach by asking me questions. They already have the answers but rather then give me their own interpretations, they help walk me into personal revelatory experience. There is just a special joy and enthusiasm when you finally “get” the message being relayed.
Jesus already knew what people said of Him, but He especially wanted Peter to understand what a precious revelation had been given to him. It is wonderment to me that the God of the universe, and beyond, desires to teach us individually and personally.
Mat 16:15-17 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.”