Good & Evil Collide
(Written March 10, 2023)
As soon as we stopped, I sensed evil. But I was about to learn how Good & Evil Collide in the region of Caesarea Philippi.
Caesarea Philippi
Paneas or Caesarea Philippi is a settlement nestled in the southwestern foot of Mount Hermon in Israel. Here, the ancient Greek god, Pan, was worshipped. He was said to be half man and half goat. He chased and terrorized women. The word panic is derived from this pagan god.
Caesarea Philippi is a lush and rocky area along the mountainside. Pan supposedly lived in one of its caves. A spring from the cave flowed down to a tributary of the Jordon River. It was common for animals and children to be thrown downstream in the rushing water as a sacrificial offering to Pan. Because Pan was said to have wandered between the earth and hell, this location is mentioned in Scripture to represent the Gates of Hades.
Where Good & Evil Collide
It is here, in a place that symbolized evil and debauchery, that Jesus took his disciples in Matthew 16: 13-18.
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Again, look at Jesus’ words in verse 18, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
From this quick exchange, three points stand out to me.
- Jesus is acknowledging that He is a living God. Pan was a mythical god.
- Jesus’ church was to be built upon this rock. Peter, or Petros in Greek, means rock. But rock could also refer to the location here, considered to be the gateway to the underworld.
- Jesus is proclaiming that the power of the Church will overcome evil and death.
Location, Location, Location
I’m discovering that location is important in understanding Biblical stories. Jesus took his disciples to a location representing evil and pagan practices and basically said the Gates of Hell will not prevail against my church. Jesus Christ is victorious over evil! Good triumphs over evil.
Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to see Paneas/Caesarea Philippi. The collision of good and evil was so evident. I am so grateful that You, my Savior and God, have overcome sin and death.
Questions to Consider:
- How do you see good and evil colliding around you?
- As you read God’s Word, be conscious of location. What is unique about a particular location? Why would Jesus choose to minister there?
