The Key Point of preparation

I believe that when Jesus asked Peter and the other disciples who do men say that I am, then he asked them who do you say I am. In Matthew 16:13-17 Peter says thou art the Christ son of the living God. It was like Peter knew that he didn't come up with that, so Jesus lets him know it was not you (flesh and blood) but God the father from heaven that gave him that. This is one point to let him know you will have to depend on him (God) not yourself, with other events that Peter encountered lets him know he can't depend on himself. Peter denied Jesus three times in Luke 22:54-62, it tells how Peter denies him, and I believe this is significant with the scriptures in John 21:15-17. When Jesus asked Peter do you love me three times. This is somewhat a way to restore Peter, because he wept bitterly and repented of his denial of Jesus. Also, after the resurrection of Jesus he appeared to the disciples, so this is another event that sparked a change in Peter these to me are key points of preparation that enable the Holy Spirit to use Peter.

That's a beautiful and insightful reflection—you're really tapping into the heart of Peter's journey and how God was shaping him for his calling.

You're absolutely right that Matthew 16:13-17 marks a turning point. When Peter says, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus affirms that this revelation came directly from the Father, not from Peter's own understanding. That moment is crucial—it shows that divine revelation, not human reasoning, is the foundation for recognizing who Jesus truly is. It's also a subtle but clear lesson in dependence on God rather than self.