The spirit of Antichrist
When Jesus arrived in the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets,” they replied. “But what about you?” He asked them. “Who do you say I am?” “You are the Messiah (or Christ), the Son of the Living God,” Simon Peter replied. - Matthew 16:13-16 When Jesus came on the public scene there was speculation about who He was. Of course, the best way to know something about someone is to simply ask them. There was always confusion and controversy regarding Jesus’ true identity. Jesus did not come into the world through noble birth. He was born to a young peasant girl named Mary – in Bethlehem. Even worse, He was born in a stable with smelly animals. The religious leaders were telling lies regarding Jesus’ birth saying He was born illegitimately – of course not knowing Mary’s conception was by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35; John 8:41).