As Jesus and his disciples walk toward Caesarea Philippi, he asks them, “Who do people say that I am?” A reply is given that some think he is John the Baptist, others believe he is Elijah, and still others think he is one of the prophets. Jesus continues the dialog: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter prematurely replies: “You are the Christ.” Jesus, being the good teacher, explains that the Son of Man must (first) suffer greatly, be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and risen after three days. Peter rebukes him in disbelief at what he is hearing. The other disciples are surely confused about the meaning of what Jesus said.

We don’t have all the details of this conversation, but what sadness, perplexity, and apprehension they must have felt. They had committed themselves to be followers of Jesus, and he informed them that there would be great suffering, rejections, and eventually death. Amid all the disciples’ puzzlement, however, Jesus does include in his exchange that the Son of Man will rise after three days. He promises hope in spite of uncertainty, in spite of hatred, and even in spite of death. He understands that his disciples are only human and incapable of understanding what is to come. He recognizes that they are thinking not as God does but as human beings think. Jesus, though, knows that he must offer the rest of his worldly life to fulfill his heavenly mission of redeeming humankind through reconciliation with God.

Jesus fulfilled his purpose as the Son of Man to become the Son of God. May we, when questioned, “But who do you say that I am?”, reply with absolute conviction: “You are the Christ.” – our Lord and our God. Amen.

Prayer:

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. (Agnus Dei / Fraction of the Bread)