In the third year of his ministry, Jesus took his disciples to northern Israel. He knew his time on earth with them was limited and wanted them to have certainty of who he was so that they could hold on to that truth no matter what they were facing.
Today, we’ll learn more about that part of Israel so we can appreciate why Jesus took his disciples up north and how this lesson can help us live boldly for Christ today.
About Caesarea Philippi
Location + Climate
The region of Caesarea Philippi is located about twenty-five miles north of the Sea of Galilee at the base of Israel’s highest mountain, Mt. Hermon. Caesarea Philippi is known for its natural beauty.
The melting snow from Mt. Hermon creates tributaries that flow down the mountain and feed the Jordan River, creating an abundant fresh water supply in an otherwise arid land and making the surrounding land lush and green. The landscape made it an attractive site for religious worship.
Cultural + Religious Setting
Many pagan temples were built in this area during the Greek and Roman periods. The most notable “temple” was the Grotto of Pan, which became the center of pagan worship. Beginning in the third century BC, sacrifices were cast into the large, natural grotto there.
Caesarea Philippi was in Gentile territory and was filled with ungodly beliefs. Some of the people worshipped Greek or Roman Gods and even the Roman emperor. Others followed philosophy such as Stoicism or Epicureanism. Some believed in mystery religions, which were basically secret organizations or cults.
Why Location Matters
It was this environment of mixed and odd beliefs where Jesus led his apostles to ask them an important question. Let’s look at what he asked them and how they responded.
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” Luke 9:20
In the center of paganism, where people worshipped anything but Yahweh, Peter declared that Jesus is the one true God.
Put it into practice.
Just as the apostles did, we often have an uncertain earthly path in front of us. Our life is filled with twists and turns, and the typical ups and downs of being human.
And just like in Caesarea Philippi, we are surrounded by a culture that worships just about anything but God.
I can just imagine Jesus looking at me and asking me this question: What about you, Sandy? Who do you say I am?
Remember + Proclaim | Reflect today on when you first proclaimed that Jesus is Messiah. How can you use that memory to give you courage to live out the gospel this week no matter your surroundings?
Today, we can live courageously because we worship the one true God.
