Thursday 13 June 2024
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” (v. 20)
Background
Jesus often used questions as a teaching tool. By asking "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus wanted his disciples to really think about the issue. He was looking for an individual, heartfelt response. He began by asking “Who do the crowds say that I am?” which was a primer to the more significant question: “But who do you say that I am?”
When teaching, it's an excellent technique to ask a question that is not easily answered without consideration; to ask an open question that needs a considered and thoughtful response. Jesus wasn’t looking to soothe his ego, the answer to this question would determine how the disciples faced what was going to happen, and it's interesting that Peter replied the way he did. He described Jesus as ”The Messiah of God.” (v. 20)
Throughout his ministry, Jesus revealed who he was in many ways – through teaching, healings, miracles etc – and it is significant that at this point Jesus requires his disciples to say who they believe he is. After Peter says Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus goes on to teach what, as the Messiah, he must do and what will be required of the disciples in turn.
‘Messiah’ is a Hebrew word, translated as ‘Christ’ in Greek, which means ‘anointed one’. Isaiah prophesied the Messiah’s coming as “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Luke 2:11 says that at Jesus' birth, angels declared, “To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
The term, whether in Greek or Hebrew, was used for those who were set apart for various purposes in God’s service, principally those of prophet, priest, and king – roles that Jesus himself fulfilled. It refers to those appointed and empowered to do God’s will. Although the term is not used exclusively of Jesus, it finds its ultimate meaning and fulfilment in the incarnation of God in human form: Jesus, the Messiah; Christ the king.
To Ponder:
- As you take some time in God’s presence, sitting with Jesus as you might sit with a friend, turn the question around and ask God, “Who do you say I am?”
- Now, in this light, answer Jesus’ question "Who do you say I am?”
- How do you think Peter saying Jesus is the Messiah helped him face what happened to Jesus (being crucified)?
Prayer:
Paraphrasing Ephesians 1:17-19: We pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation as we come to know him. With our hearts enlightened, may we know what is the hope to which God has called us; what are the riches of God's glorious inheritance among the saints; and what is the immeasurable greatness of God's power for us who believe, according to the working of God's great power. Amen.
Bible notes author: Marion Mahan
Marion is an Area Support Chaplain at the MHA.