I read Matthew 16 today and paused again to identify with Peter. Jesus asks his disciples "What's the word about me among the people?" They reply that there are a variety of opinions: Jesus is John the Baptist (just recently executed), returned in another form; or Jesus is Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other OT prophets come back to life. Then he asks the question to his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?"
Was there a pause? Were some of the disciples hesitant because they just weren't sure? Or did they hesitate because their opinion was not high enough and it might offend Jesus?
Maybe they didn't hesitate at all. Maybe it was just that Peter, whether wrong or right, was so often quicker than the rest of them. But we are so glad that Peter "got it". He had figured out who Jesus was. He'd heard the wise, authoritative teaching; seen the powerful nature miracles; marvelled at the compassionate way Jesus healed bodies and cast out demons, setting people free.
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied,“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. (16:16, 17)
And we want to say "Bless you, Peter for getting it right! For affirming what so many would deny and still deny. You spoke for all of us believers at that moment."
Then, well you know that Peter spoke again, and said the wrong thing. Although Jesus had alluded to it earlier (12:40), for the first time here in Matthew 16, Jesus clearly predicts his suffering, death and resurrection. He does so when alone with his disciples. And Peter feels he must take Jesus aside and give his Master some wise counsel.
Did Peter say: "Master, there is no way you have to go to Jerusalem. Stay out here in the province and we can start to establish your kingdom away from the religious centre." Or did He say: "Master, you don't realize how strong your popularity ratings are. Hundreds, probably thousands are ready to follow you. You are the one sent from God to re-establish Israel to its proper freedom and status. Please don't talk of suffering and death."
And we, had we been there, would have agreed with Peter. "Thanks for speaking for all of us, and pointing Jesus in a better, more optimistic direction."
I am sure Peter felt he was giving wise advice, sound counsel with loving concern. And he was very wrong. In fact Jesus rebukes him, because it is evident this advice to avoid the Cross was from the Evil One. Jesus emphasizes that Peter is thinking from a human perspective not a Divine perspective. He needs to learn; we all need to learn and relearn: The way up, is first the way down. The way to win, is first to lose. The way to be greatest is first to become servant to all. The way of the cross is the way all of Jesus' followers are to take. (16:22 - 27)
Was there a pause? Were some of the disciples hesitant because they just weren't sure? Or did they hesitate because their opinion was not high enough and it might offend Jesus?
Maybe they didn't hesitate at all. Maybe it was just that Peter, whether wrong or right, was so often quicker than the rest of them. But we are so glad that Peter "got it". He had figured out who Jesus was. He'd heard the wise, authoritative teaching; seen the powerful nature miracles; marvelled at the compassionate way Jesus healed bodies and cast out demons, setting people free.
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied,“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. (16:16, 17)
And we want to say "Bless you, Peter for getting it right! For affirming what so many would deny and still deny. You spoke for all of us believers at that moment."
Then, well you know that Peter spoke again, and said the wrong thing. Although Jesus had alluded to it earlier (12:40), for the first time here in Matthew 16, Jesus clearly predicts his suffering, death and resurrection. He does so when alone with his disciples. And Peter feels he must take Jesus aside and give his Master some wise counsel.
Did Peter say: "Master, there is no way you have to go to Jerusalem. Stay out here in the province and we can start to establish your kingdom away from the religious centre." Or did He say: "Master, you don't realize how strong your popularity ratings are. Hundreds, probably thousands are ready to follow you. You are the one sent from God to re-establish Israel to its proper freedom and status. Please don't talk of suffering and death."
And we, had we been there, would have agreed with Peter. "Thanks for speaking for all of us, and pointing Jesus in a better, more optimistic direction."
I am sure Peter felt he was giving wise advice, sound counsel with loving concern. And he was very wrong. In fact Jesus rebukes him, because it is evident this advice to avoid the Cross was from the Evil One. Jesus emphasizes that Peter is thinking from a human perspective not a Divine perspective. He needs to learn; we all need to learn and relearn: The way up, is first the way down. The way to win, is first to lose. The way to be greatest is first to become servant to all. The way of the cross is the way all of Jesus' followers are to take. (16:22 - 27)
No comments:
Post a Comment