Part 1: Who do you say that I am?

Mark 8:27-30 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Context: Caesarea Philippi is a center of Roman activity located on the northern edge of Galilee. Jesus has been traveling through Gentile territory. Now we find him traveling close to home once again on his way to the cross. The ministry of Jesus has expanded beyond "his people," the Jewish community. From his encounter with the Syro-Phoenecian woman, we know that this may be a shocking expansion of his ministry to him and to his disciples.

Going Deeper: As they are making their way homeward ... Jesus asks the disciples a non-threatening question about what they know about the thoughts of others. “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples report many different thoughts which tells us that people find something special about Jesus. As they compare Jesus to John the Baptist and to Elijah we know the people believe Jesus is not just any wandering rabbi. The people believe Jesus is a prophet. A prophet is one who speaks for God. When Jesus speaks, the people "hear" God speak.

Then Jesus gets rather personal and challenging as he asks the disciples, "BUT who do YOU say that I am?" As we let go of our own 21st Century theological assumptions, we can feel the shocking nature of Peter's response. While Christians tend to "spiritualize" much of the Hebrew Scriptures, Jewish people at the time believed a messiah, or "anointed one" would come to liberate the people from Roman domination, perhaps violently. In the turbulent political climate of the times, is it any wonder that Jesus asks the disciples not to repeat his words ... ?

Pondering: So ... what would your response be today if Jesus appeared to ask you "Who do you say that I am?" What images come to your mind when you think about this question? What image of Jesus the Messiah comforts you? What image of Jesus the Messiah challenges you?

Praying: Take a few minutes and let your mind become quiet. Try to allow silence to envelop you. If you receive darting thoughts ... acknowledge them and let them go ... When you are able, sit with the Messiah ... as whatever image appeals to you today. Listen as the Messiah asks you "Who do you say that I am?" What is your response? How does your response make you feel? Sit with your feelings as long as you need to and then share your feelings with Jesus the Messiah ...