Along the way, Jesus asks them, “Who do people say
that I am?”
The disciples answer him, according to what they
have heard.
Some people are saying that he is John the Baptist.
He is teaching and healing. He hangs out in deserted places like John did.
Maybe John escaped Herod’s jail. Maybe he didn’t, and is now resurrected. That
could explain his increased power and authority.
Some people are saying that he is Elijah, who
escaped death and ascended into the heavens on a chariot. Jesus certainly
speaks like him. If Elijah had returned from the heavens, wouldn’t his ministry
look like this?
Other people are saying he is one of the other
prophets. He is mighty in words and deed and his teaching calls for repentance.
Maybe Jesus is a new prophet.
Jesus takes it all in and pauses before asking, “But
who do you say that I am?”
Peter answers, “You are the Messiah.”
It’s a correct answer, but with an incorrect
understanding. Peter answers rightly, but he thinks Jesus is going to topple
the Roman government. Peter has been witnessing the beginning of a new empire.
He has a front row seat for this euangellion, this imperial edict, as it
unfolds and he is convinced it’s going to run like a steamroller right through
the heart of Jerusalem.
“Don’t tell anyone else that,” Jesus says. The last
thing he needs is a crowd riled up and ready for revolution. He’s the Messiah,
all right, but he hasn’t come to take the world by force.
Text for the day:
Things to think about:
Jesus is starting a revolution, but it doesn’t have
the characteristics of any revolution that has come before it.
Things to do:
Consider the attributes of Jesus’ empire. Notice
how those attributes are still alive in the church, two millennia later.
Jesus,
lead your revolution in all the places I have power.
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