Peter’s Confession about Jesus

Today's Reflections

Peter’s Confession about Jesus 

http://graceandspace.org

Lk 9:18-22

¹⁸Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” ¹⁹They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ ” ²⁰Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.” ²¹He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

²²He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Reflection:

The Messiah of God. This title refers to the anointed one of God, the promised Savior, who, for the Jews, is a powerful political messiah who will come from the lineage of King David and will eventually restore Israel to her political might and glory.

But for Jesus, this is not what his being Messiah is. Though Peter’s answer is correct, Jesus rebukes the disciples and directs them not to tell anyone about it. He wants to keep his identity secret to avoid any misunderstanding of his mission. He comes to save humankind from sin by passing through the way of the cross, not shunning sacrifice, extreme suffering, humiliation, and apparent defeat.

Jesus redefines the concept of the Messiah by drawing on alternative interpretations of biblical prophecies, encompassing the crucifixion, death, resurrection, and the promise of the second coming. His prediction of the passion should be taken as confirmation of a distant future prophecy. If the passion happens, Jesus’ word is true and his future claims as Messiah are also valid and true.

Is Jesus your personal Messiah?

Would you accept his way to salvation—the way of the cross?