John 1:41-42 and Matthew 16:16... bit of confusion

[BouncingBall]

I am slightly confused about those two events in the Gospels. What is the difference between Andrew telling his brother Peter that “we have found the Christ”, and Peter declaring that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” ? And, why does Peter have his name changed and receive possession of the Keys later on, while it was Andrew who appears to have been the first one to recognize Jesus for Who He Is?

Have a great day, everyone.

 

[Barbkw]

It’s the “Son of the Living God” part.

Jews continue today to anticipate the arrival of an “only human” Messiah.

jewfaq.org/mashiach.htm

The word “mashiach” does not mean “savior.” The notion of an innocent, divine or semi-divine being who will sacrifice himself to save us from the consequences of our own sins is a purely Christian concept that has no basis in Jewish thought. Unfortunately, this Christian concept has become so deeply ingrained in the English word “messiah” that this English word can no longer be used to refer to the Jewish concept. The word “mashiach” will be used throughout this page.

The Mashiach

The mashiach will be a great political leader descended from King David (Jeremiah 23:5).

The mashiach is often referred to as “mashiach ben David” (mashiach, son of David).

He will be well-versed in Jewish law, and observant of its commandments (Isaiah 11:2-5).

He will be a charismatic leader, inspiring others to follow his example.

He will be a great military leader, who will win battles for Israel.

He will be a great judge, who makes righteous decisions (Jeremiah 33:15).

But above all, he will be a human being, not a god, demi-god or other supernatural being.

It has been said that in every generation, a person is born with the potential to be the mashiach.

If the time is right for the messianic age within that person’s lifetime, then that person will be the mashiach.

But if that person dies before he completes the mission of the mashiach, then that person is not the mashiach.

 

[Eileen_T]

It’s the “Son of the Living God” part.

I agree.

 

[BouncingBall]

@Barbkw, thank you!!! I am indebted. Now that you’ve pointed it out, it is crystal clear. Thanks!

 

[TimothyH]

I am slightly confused about those two events in the Gospels. What is the difference between Andrew telling his brother Peter that “we have found the Christ”, and Peter declaring that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” ? And, why does Peter have his name changed and receive possession of the Keys later on, while it was Andrew who appears to have been the first one to recognize Jesus for Who He Is?

Have a great day, everyone.

Names are important in the Bible and they teach us something about the person’s relationship with God.

In Genesis, God names man and man therefor takes his identity and purpose from God. Man serves God. But God allows man to name the beasts, and this shows that the beasts existence and identity is in relation to who named them - man.

Pharoah names Joseph. He serves Pharoah. (Genesis 41:45)

Jacob is renamed by God, given the name Israel. Israel then serves God.

The people who built the tower of Babel try to “Make a name for themselves” and this shows that they serve only themselves. They have no identity except for what they think of themselves. They have no purpose except to serve themselves.

And so Simon is renamed Caiphas/Kepha/Rock/Peter/Petros. The One who names him is the One he serves. The One who names him is the one who gives him his identity. The One who names him is the One from whom he draws his purpose in life. The entire context for his existence is the One who gives him his name.

-Tim-

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I recently realized that both Andrew and Barnabas are the men behind the scenes. They keep every thing moving smoothly, bring people to the right places at the right time, but stay in the background. Good patron saints of humility.