A) Matthew 16:17. After Peter makes his profound confession, Jesus responds, "You are blessed." Let's pause for a moment and contemplate. Often, we try to manipulate God to receive His blessings. However, acknowledging Jesus Christ as the Lord and Messiah is the ultimate blessing. All spiritual gifts, riches, and heavenly wonders become accessible to us through Jesus.

B) Jesus continues, affirming, "You know this, and you are blessed because my Father in heaven has revealed it to you." This blessing isn't based on our wisdom, intelligence, attractiveness, or cleverness. It stems from God's grace, which is the essence of salvation. Jesus emphasizes that this knowledge is not acquired from human sources. Salvation is always a result of God's grace, not our efforts.