2. His divine mission —
[" Thou art the Christ^," the very person promised from the foundation of the world. Thou art " the Seed of the woman, that is to bruise the serpent's head;" "the Seed of Abraham, in whom all nations are to be blessed;" " the Shi- loh that was to come, before that the sceptre should finally depart from Judah:" " the Son of David, that shall reign over his kingdom for ever and ever." Thou art He " of whom Moses and the prophets have written" so much, and in whom all that they have written shall be accomplished. It is true. Lord, we have but a very indistinct knowledge of thee at pre- sent; but we know enough to be assured, that thou art " the Christ," the Saviour of the world. This is the full persuasion of us all. As for those persons with whom others would identify thee, they were but thy servants, sent to prepare the world for thy coming : they were as little meteors in their day ; but thou art " the bright and morning star," or rather, " the Sun of righteousness that is arisen upon us, with healing in thy wings." In thee we recognize both " the root and offspring of David," " David's Son and David's Lord :" in thee we acknowledge that Divine person, of whom God has said, " Thou art my Son ; this day have I begotten thee'' ;" and of whom Daniel speaks, as "Messiah, the Prince, who should make reconciliation for iniquity, and bring in everlasting righteousness'."]
Though our Lord knew beforehand what Peter's answer would be, he speaks of it as if surprised, and with peculiar approbation : which leads us to notice, II. The commendation with which it was honoured —
Our Lord declares that no man could have such views of him unless he were taught of God —
d Luke ix. 28—35. with 2 Pet. i. 16 — 18. ^ John i. 14.
f Heb. i. 2, 3. e The force of the article is here preserved.
^ Ps. ii. 7. * Dan. ix. 24, 25.