"You're Not Wrong!" (Matthew 16:13-16)

When I teach my dermatology residents, I utilize commonplace analogies as a springboard to introduce diagnostic concepts. The other day, I was describing the nuances of a basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer. I shared a familiar scenario with them.

“If you were to describe our colleague, Jake, to someone you don’t know, you could say he is a man with black hair. Now, is that correct?”

My residents all nodded in agreement.

“But is that sufficient information to pick him out in a room full of men with black hair?”

As expected, all the residents shook their heads in disagreement.

“That’s my point!” I exclaimed. “You’re not wrong! But it is not sufficient information to distinguish his appearance from another who closely resembles him. Now look at this microscope slide of this basal cell skin cancer. If you were to describe it to a colleague, you could state that it is composed of malignant cells that are invading the dermis. Is that correct?”

The nodding residents began to see my point.

“But not sufficient information to discern what kind of cancer, right?”

Bingo. The lights went on.

“You’re not wrong.” I smiled. “Just not enough details.”

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:13-16 (NKJV)

For nearly two thousand years, people have debated who Jesus Christ is. The answers His disciples gave are similar to some of the answers that are still given today. Jesus is great teacher; He is a great prophet; He is a good man. Yes, those answers are not wrong. But Jesus is much more. He is God incarnate!

Like the diagnostic lesson I shared with my dermatology residents, we need to have a complete understanding of who Jesus Christ is. He is Lord and Savior. All who confess and repent of their sins to Him and place their trust in Him will be saved. No man, teacher, or prophet can do this. Only God. Only Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.