SAME QUESTION

The question of the ages is the same: Jesus asks what he always has, “Who do you say that the Son of Man is?” We may say whatever we please. We can place him with other men, other gods, or not place him at all. He leaves that up to us.

One of his disciples answered, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” Just about anyone could get pretty excited about being compared with ‘big names’ on the list, but the Lord asks only one question, “But who do you say that I am?” How we answer is either out of understanding or ignorance. Ignorance might compare him with past and present religious heroes. Understanding might answer, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God.” This is when understanding is turning into love. Jesus must have been thrilled to his most inner man as he answered, “Blessed are you Peter, flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”

Revelation is from God and of the Spirit, flesh and blood reveal religious history and religious past. Peter had moved from death to life, from information to revelation and from religion to love. He comes to us and reveals himself. We are left to give a response. “Who do we say he is?”

“Who do you say that I am?” Jesus