Imagine if I was asked to prove that I was married. How would I do so? I could pull out our marriage certificate or point to our relationship as evidence. I could also bring witnesses who attended our wedding to testify.
While this example is a bit silly, it is not so different from what Peter does in today’s reading. He reassures his readers that Jesus is the Messiah, offering two pieces of evidence. First, he points to eyewitnesses (v. 16). Peter was with Jesus for His earthly ministry. Specifically, he refers to Jesus’ transfiguration (Matt. 17:1–5). Peter was one of the three on the mountain when Jesus unveiled His glory. He heard God’s voice from heaven declaring, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (v. 17).
Second, Peter points to documentary proof. Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection were not random events. They were pointed to by Israel’s prophetic witness. Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); of a virgin (Isa. 7:14); of the line of David (2 Sam. 7:12–13). He suffered and died for the sin of others (Isa. 53:4–9) and rose from the dead (Ps. 16:10). Peter has a high view of the Old Testament, calling it “completely reliable” (v. 19). He also clarified that Scripture is more than just human writing, but inspired by God: “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (v. 21).
We can have the same assurance today. Old Testament Scripture still points us to Jesus as the Messiah. We can read firsthand testimony about His life, death, and resurrection in the New Testament. Jesus is Lord!
Go Deeper
If someone asked you, how would you support the truth that Jesus is who He claimed to be? Two classic books on the subject are The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel and Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell.
Pray with Us
What a gift Your Holy Word is, Lord God Almighty! We praise You that “the word of God is alive and active” (Heb. 4:12). Impress Your truth on our heart.
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power.2 Peter 1:16
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