“I am the living God,” Shimeon Kaypha (Simon Peter) answered. This was Shimeon Kaypha’s response to Yeshua when He asked, upon arriving in the region of Caesarea Philippi, “What do people say about me, the Son of Man?”
Shimeon Kaypha replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Yeshua rewarded Simon Peter for this confession of faith, saying, “To you, I give the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
The disciples and others also shared their thoughts, saying: “Some say you are Yohannan (John) the Baptizer, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Yeshua then said, “You are blessed, Shimeon Bar Yonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my heavenly Father. The gates of Sheol will not prevail against you. Your confession of faith is rewarded” (Matthew 16:13–16).
Later, Yeshua went to the temple (John 8:1 and following verses). People came to Him, and He sat and taught them. These passages contain several dialogues between Jesus and believers, unbelievers, disciples, Pharisees, and scribes.
My writings are meant to present a historical perspective and provide a clearer picture of Yeshua and who He is. They are not intended to engender hostility but to radiate the love of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world.
The Woman Caught in Adultery
The scribes and Pharisees adhered to strict teachings but often failed to follow their own instructions. They brought a woman caught in adultery to Yeshua, saying, “Teacher, this woman was caught openly in the act of adultery. The law of Moses commands us to stone such women. What do you say?”
They were attempting to entrap Yeshua. In response, Yeshua stooped and wrote on the ground. When they persisted, He stood and said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone at her.” Then He stooped down again and continued writing on the ground.
Hearing His words, the accusers left, one by one. Yeshua then spoke to the woman, saying, “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She answered, “No one, Lord.” Yeshua replied, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, sin no more.”
Yeshua then spoke to the people, saying, “I am the living God, the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:1–12).
The Woman of Samaria
In John 4:4–42, Yeshua had a long dialogue with the Samaritan woman at the well. She told Him she was waiting for the coming Messiah. Yeshua revealed intimate details of her life, including her many husbands and personal struggles. He said to her, “I am He, the one you have been waiting for.”
The woman became an evangelist, spreading the good news to her entire town. Jesus stayed there for two more days, teaching and ministering.
Thank you for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043. For information, call 323-293-9826 or visit www.todaysfreshstart.org, Ask Dr. Jeanette TM “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Have questions or spotted errors? Let me know. Join Sundays for music and message at 11:30 a.m. by calling (712) 775-8971, code 266751. References: The Holy Bible, The Original Aramaic New Testament in Plain English with Psalms & Proverbs.
