Encounter #31:

Jesus is the Messiah

Read: Mark 8:27-33

Jesus and His disciples go to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Here is some history of that area. In the Old Testament this was a place where a shrine was built to the false god called Baal. Children were sacrificed to this demon-god. Later on the Greeks dedicated a temple to the music-nature-god called Pan. And during Jesus' time a temple built by the Romans was erected here in honor of Augustus Caesar. This was a prime real-estate area for Jesus to be identified as the Messiah, the Anointed One of God! Jesus has all authority over Baal, Pan and Politicians! Baal represented the murder of innocent children (abortion). Pan signifies the worship of nature and demonic musicians. And the Roman temples are equated with Emperor and human worship (false preachers/teachers/prophets/politicians). Jesus is Messiah over them all!

Jesus asked His disciples “Whom do men say that I am?” They responded that some equated Him with John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets. But Jesus wanted to know who they say He is. Peter responded that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:13). Jesus told them that He must suffer many things, be killed and three days later rise from the dead. But Peter wanted Jesus to take over the Roman Empire and set the Jews free now. Jesus had to rebuke that Satanic response. Peter was thinking and understanding things from a worldly point of view. Jesus first had to suffer, be killed and rise again just as the Scriptures stated about the promised Messiah. There are over 450 verses pertaining to the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled all of them except those regarding His returning again . Whoever believes Jesus is the Messiah is born of God (1 John 1:5). Jesus is the Anointed One, the only Christ.

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to be my Savior and Messiah. I receive His anointing for this day. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Application: Read the Scriptures about the Messiah and tell someone about Jesus. Acknowledge His authority over all demonic powers and places.

Encounter Jesus: Receive Jesus' anointing to declare an end to abortion, demonic influence in music and political deception. Jesus is Lord!