Tuesday 9th February The Rev’d Trevor Jamison
St Mark 8: 27 – 30
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Reflection
‘Who do people say that I am?’
It’s ok to want to know what people say about what you say and do. It’s not so healthy to be obsessed about it. On the other hand, you would worry if someone spoke and acted with no regard for how others felt about them. And Jesus wants to know what the others are saying about him.
They are saying that Jesus is a prophet – someone who tells people what God is saying about them. Jesus is so prophetic that he can be mixed up with John the Baptist, or taken for Elijah returned; two prophets so notable for their God-inspired arguments with kings and queens that the powers-that-be sought to kill them.
‘But who do you say that I am?’
When that’s how rulers respond, it’s safer to report what others are saying than to reveal what you believe, but Peter sticks his head above the parapet: ‘You are the Messiah.’ Like some prophets, and like all Israelite kings, you are one anointed by God for a special task. You are the Messiah, the one appointed by God to deliver the people out of their difficulties and into a new reign of freedom, peace and justice.
‘But who do you say that I am?’
Today, as I continue along ‘on the way’ with Jesus, it’s helpful to know what others, including Peter, said about him. It’s good to know what people say about him now. But that question is also directed to me. Who do I say Jesus is? He’s the one from God, he’s the one who obtains my freedom, who offers me peace, and directs me to live justly.
And Jesus says, “who do you say I am?”
Prayer
God of freedom, peace and justice,
Open my ears to hear what people are saying about Jesus.
Open my eyes to see him truly, and so see you.
Open my lips to say, “You are … ”
Amen