A few years ago, the University of California released a “photograph” of a star, newly “discovered” by the Hubble space telescope. They called it “Pistol Star,” and it is hiding close to the center of our Milky Way Galaxy. It is burning as brightly as ten million of our suns and is as large as earth’s entire year-long orbit. But the “photograph” wasn’t like the snap-shot that you take with your fancy digital camera. It was a computer generated image based on infrared rays and other evidences not visible to the human eye. That evidence is detectable only with special scientific instruments. Computers converted those things into colors and images until they had a picture of a huge, bright star.
Just think about it – a star blazing ten million times brighter than our sun, and we can’t see it without special help. Whether or not you believe everything that NASA and the intelligencia try to tell you, at the very least we have an illustration of our text. One of the biggest things in the universe is that the Son of Man is also the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is deity – the creator of every one of those stars – and the judge of all the universe as well. He is also the Lamb of God, foreordained before the foundation of the world to save a few worthless specks of humanity out of all that vast universe. And the only way that anyone will ever come to understand, believe and trust those facts is through the special instrumentality of the sovereign grace of God. “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed (this) unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
Before we get very far this morning, I need to lay one little piece of foundational information. It is critical for our understanding of the entire passage. Jesus asked His disciples as a group – “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Collectively they voiced some of the things which people were saying. Jesus then asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” Peter, speaking for himself, and for the entire group said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” On several earlier occasions, these disciples had unanimously exclaimed – “Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” “Thou art the Son of God; thou art the Kind of Israel” “We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” All twelve of the disciples were united in their faith that Jesus was the Son of God long before the events of Matthew 16. The voice was Peter’s, but the sentiment was that of the entire church – those disciples of Christ.
I would like us to think specifically about how Peter and the others were blessed to have this knowledge. We need the blessing that Peter enjoyed; I hope that you want the blessing that Peter enjoyed. In order to do that we have to understand the ground rules. And there are little hints and clues to that blessedness here in verse 17, even beyond the obvious – “Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
“Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona.”
It needs to be clearly understood that when the Lord Jesus used this word “blessed” it had special significance. I know that we’ve gone over this several times in the past, but let me briefly review it once again. Some people say that “blessed” means “happy” – while that might be true in part, it is only a tiny segment of the thought.
It’s the Greek word “makarios” (mak-ar’-ee-os). I mention that only because our concordances and lexicons tell us that it is an emphasis of “makar” which means the same thing. In other words, this blessedness is the superlative form. This is the highest of all happiness and joy. It is a joy which has its source in God, not on anything in this world. In fact “makarios” is used to speak of God Himself. As did Paul, at this church we preach “the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which (has been) committed to our trust.” In I Timothy Paul says that Christ is “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” And he told Titus that the grace of God which brings eternal salvation teaches us to be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” It borders on blasphemy to say that Jehovah is “the happy God” – No, He is “the blessed God.” And the gospel is not merely happy or joyful, nor is the glorious appearing of our returning Saviour.
The word “blessed” finds its roots in Heaven. The things which are “makarios” to people here upon this earth come from the hand of the Almighty. And those who are so “blessed” are in some way linked to that glorious place. “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed (this) unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
This blessing has nothing to do with our FIRST or PHYSICAL BIRTH.
“Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee.” Peter has more names than just about anybody else in the New Testament, and that is significant. “Simon” was his given name – the personal, perhaps loving or honorary name which his parents gave him. He had a brother named “Andrew.” If their mother wanted one or the other, she would use their names to call them – “Andrew” — “Simon”!!! People didn’t have family names back then the way that we do today – no ”Oldfields” or “Kjeldgaards.” But they did have something similar. The earthly father of Simon and Andrew was a man named “Jonah” or “Jonas.” If someone was talking about Simon, and wanted a third person to know which Simon he meant, he would say “Simon, the son of Jonah” or in their Aramaic language – “Simon Barjona.” The man we know as “Peter,” grew up with the name “Simon Barjona.” It was the Lord Jesus who gave Simon the new name of “Peter.” In the first list of church members we read, “And Simon HE surnamed Peter.” It was the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Simon the name of “Peter.” Describing the first time that Simon met Christ, John 1:42 says, “And he (Andrew) brought him (Simon) to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas (then John added) – which is by interpretation, A stone.” “Cephas,” or perhaps better pronounced “kaphas” is the Aramaic equivalent to the Greek “Peter.” These are important incidentals to which we will return in another message.
But here is the point as far as this message is concerned – Flesh and blood, family and genealogy, cannot reveal to these sin-blinded hearts of ours that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God – the Saviour. We are all too hard-headed; cold-hearted – dead in trespasses and sins to see the truth about Christ. It didn’t matter if everyone in Bethsaida knew Jonah – for whatever reason. It was not through Jonah that Barjonah had experienced the important truths of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And it doesn’t matter who your parents are either. While it matters to them whether or not they are Christians – that doesn’t make you a Christian. It doesn’t matter if they are church members or even ministers of the gospel – that doesn’t mean that the blessings of the gospel have been given unto you. “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
As ridiculous as it may sound, Peter was NOT BLESSED because he had A GREAT TEACHER.
The disciples had a truly great teacher and pastor. There has never been a better anything than the Lord Jesus Christ. Those men had heard hundreds of sermons and lessons by the time three and half years had passed. Not only that, they had witnessed dozens, or perhaps hundreds, of major and minor miracles. They had participated in many of those miracles as helpers, recipients and servants. And they had been blessed in their own ministries, carried out in the name of Christ Jesus. Despite all these great opportunities, these were not the source of their faith that “Jesus is the Christ – the Son of God.”
Remember that the twelve were not the only people to have heard the voice of Jesus. There had apparently been hundreds of temporary and transient disciples, listening to the Lord Jesus. Why hadn’t these twelve come and then gone like so many others? Was it because their parents dragged them to church with them week after week, so they couldn’t escape? Was it because they felt some sort of obligation to continue as disciples and to learn their lessons? Was it because they were anxiously anticipating the next miracle – riveted to their seats? No, it was because God graciously called them, speaking to their hearts, drawing them to Himself and then keeping them.
Back in Matthew 13 the disciples asked Christ, “Why do you use parables so often?” Do you remember Jesus’ reply? “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” It was sovereign grace which taught the disciples those eternal truths. A bit later Jesus used the same word which we have in this morning’s scripture. “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”
Luke 10 sheds a bit more light on this same theme. “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” Remember the meaning of that word “blessed” – “a gift of Heavenly joy, graciously given by God Himself.” What a blessed thing it is to be given the revelation of God – to be able to know that Jesus is the Christ. In John 6 after a large group of tag-alongs quit attending the Lord’s traveling church services. “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. “Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we (all of us twelve) believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The blessedness which these disciples enjoyed came through the gracious and special revelation of God. It was not of flesh and blood; it was not through the five sense – by what they saw or what they heard. “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” God “revealed” it to these men – “reveal” means to remove some sort of covering. The Lord stripped away the cataracts covering their spiritual eyes until they could see that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. He peeled back the dead and calloused outer tissues of their hearts, so that they could believe in the Lord. Praise God for his gracious, sovereign kindness! How can anyone not see God’s sovereign election and grace in this precious gift?
Earlier this week I began reviewing the fifty or so times that the New Testament used the word “makarios.” I wanted to test an hypothesis – this hypothesis – the Holy Spirit never uses this word in any mundane or earthly sort of way – no matter how good or glorious that earthly thing might be. Is a wonderful marriage ever described in the Bible as “makarios” – “blessed”? Is the birth of a child, other than the birth of Christ, ever stated to be “makarios”? Is there anything which begins and ends in this world ever – even once – described as “makarios”? You may make the same survey as mine, and I think that you will make the same conclusion – This “blessedness” begins with Jehovah, often in the most gracious and undeserved way. It may be a true joy and blessing to us, but it begins with God and ultimately ends in His glory.
And with that I come to my last major point.
The particular blessing to which Jesus referred here is just the TIP OF THE ICEBERG.
Enjoying this blessing – the knowledge and trust that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Saviour – is only the beginning.
Here are some of the occasions that “makarios” is used in the Book of Revelation. Please notice that the blessedness described in these verses is just a bit higher than mere knowledge that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” Revelation 14:13 – “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” It is a wonderful, blessed thing when God’s saints pass from this life into the presence of their Saviour. Revelation 16:15 – “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments…” I have already quoted Titus 2:13 – “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” There is a special, heavenly blessing to those whose hearts and eyes are ready and searching for the returning Saviour. Revelation 19:9 – “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Whatever your interpretation of the Bride of Christ – there are special blessings in regard to that. Then there is the wonderful statement of Revelation 20:6 – “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” What is the second death? My friends, it is the Lake of Fire – the judgment of God for eternity. So what is the resurrection in this scripture – it is an essential part of escaping the second death. In Revelation 22:7 – Jesus said, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Seven verses later we read – “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” What city is that? It is the eternal city – a part of what we generally think of as Heaven. And what are the commandments to which the Lord refers? Repent before God and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
It is a blessed blessing to be given the revelation that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” But that is just the first of the great blessings. Before we get to those of Revelation, we have those of Romans 4 – “What saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Abraham was declared righteous in the sight of God, because he believed and trusted God. If he had been alive in the days of Matthew 16, He would have quickly joined Peter and the others in saying “Jesus is the Son of the living God – He is my Lord and my Saviour.” Romans goes on – “To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” In some ways, the highest and greatest of all Heavenly blessings is the imputation of God’s righteousness – the implantation of Christ’s righteousness in us and the transference of our sinfulness to Christ. That is the blessedness which makes the second coming of Christ “the blessed hope.” That is why some unworthy sinners will be blessed to enter through the gates of Heaven. And it all begins with – “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed (this) unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
Now at this point I want to keep you from making one serious false assumption. This is extremely important. Perhaps you are willing to repeat Peter’s words – “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Let me tell you – even though that is a great blessing, that knowledge and that statement alone, doesn’t make you FULLY blessed. It is a gift from God that your mind grasps that thought and that your mouth may repeat it. But that doesn’t mean that your heart and soul are resting on Christ, the Son of the Living God. Please remember that one of the twelve disciples, a member of Christ’s church, was still lost and headed toward Hell. “To (them that) believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, (their) faith is counted for righteousness. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Why will not the Lord impute the guilt of their sin to those wicked sinners? Because those sinners have humbled themselves before God, and by faith cast themselves and their sins upon Christ. They have been blessed with the God-given revelation that Christ has borne the judgment that their sins deserve. They know, understand and believe that the Lamb of God died on the cross of Calvary for their sins. They are like Abraham (who) believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
THERE is the ultimate “makarios” – there is the place where the ultimate blessing resides. Don’t stop with the fantastic blessing of Matthew 16:17. Repent before God, and put your faith, love and hope in the sacrifice of the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”