What about the things other people said about Jesus? Many people in Jesus’ time called Jesus a liar, or insane, or full of evil spirits. Here is an interesting story about Jesus’ closest friends and their faith in him. During his travels, Jesus came to a town called Caesarea Philippi. This town was well-known for the worship of false gods and idols. There Jesus asked his followers what their faith was:
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16.13-18
Near a city full of pagan gods and idols, Jesus challenged his disciples to speak of their faith in him. It was there that Apostle Peter spoke of his belief that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah, Masih), the Promised One, and the Son of God. This still happens today. People are still discovering who Jesus is.