Like Peter, we think protecting the Messiah is a good thing. The right thing. Instead, Jesus tells us all to face death.
Knowing hope through transformation
Proper 17A | Matthew 16:21-28
How empty was Peter’s proclamation just moments ago.
For us, it was a week ago. For them, it was seconds.
They had traveled throughout Judea and the borderlands. Jesus was healing and feeding the multitudes. Each stop was a new transformation of tradition. Raising new expectations. Miracles surround the man.
And he is asking his closest followers a simple question. They didn’t know it was a midterm exam.
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Simple. Elijah or a prophet. Yeah, it makes sense. Those guys could do miracles, too. Fits.
Then
“But who do you say that I am?”
That is harder. More personal. The Messiah, is Peter’s response.
The Messiah. The great hope. Liberator.
And with that, Jesus affirms Peter and says that everything will be built upon him.
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