21 August

“Who do you say that I am?”

It was in the city, Caesarea Philippi, surrounded by a seamy and very secular society, that Jesus decided to ask his disciples a key question. He asked them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” But perhaps the next question Jesus asked is more important. After he had listened to their various replies, he said, “Who do you say that I am?”

That question placed everyone on the spot. Peter blurted out that Jesus was the Christ. That moment remains alive throughout time. Jesus asks this question of us now and asks it in exactly the same words, “Who do you say I am?” Each one of us alone knows the reply we have tried to make up to this point in our lives. Maybe we have already said to Jesus, as Peter said, “You are the Christ.” If we haven’t, we need to say it at some stage, if our relationship with Jesus is to be strong and lasting.

It is interesting that Jesus chose Caesarea Philippi as the place to ask his question, a city that was considered beautiful and dangerous, sensual and secular. Look at the world we live in, the world where we are trying to be his disciples. Can that urban world of ours not be seen in very much the same terms as Caesarea Philippi? It certainly can be tough and dangerous; in places very beautiful and impressive. Our places and times are also intrigued by temptations of a sensual nature. We all know that it is used endlessly, much of the time to sell us things we desire.

The point is that it is right in the middle of this very secular world that Jesus asks us his eternal question. He demands that we state our allegiance to him.  Notice what he says to Peter after Peter’s expression of faith. Jesus defined that faith as the rock on which God’s work in a Christian community can be founded. Jesus depends on us. What will our answer be?

Peace to you all,

Bob+