21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Who do you think I am?

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When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”. They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 

Matthew 16.13-16

I rather like the TV programme ‘Who do you think you are?’ I enjoy the journey of the subject celebrity as they explore their family tree. But, in looking at their ancestors, do they find out who they are as people?

This is much like the situation we have with Jesus as he attempts to find out if his mission to fulfil God’s promise to reconcile humankind to himself will have any life beyond his own. ‘Who do people say the son of man is?’ The disciples answer Elijah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist. These are all significant prophets, fearless and devout who boldly spoke out against the wicked leaders of the nation. God’s chosen challenged injustice, immorality and corruption.

Jesus was much more than these and it is Peter’s reply to Jesus’ second question, ‘Who do you say I am?’ that gives him the assurance he needs to head before journeying to Jerusalem and the cross that awaits him.He was not just God’s mouthpiece; he was God’s Messiah. Not just challenging the religious elite but supplanting them as God’s king. He is the one true king; the one Israel had been waiting for; the one of whom the Psalms and the prophets had spoken.

This was risky. It was likely to attract attention, condemnation and, no doubt, hostility from the religious and secular authorities. It is no less risky now to challenge those who rule by injustice, cruelty, prejudice, hypocrisy, greed, self-interest and might.

This passage teaches us, that to truly know Jesus, we must embark upon a journey of personal discovery. When he asks you, ‘Who do you think I am?’, nobody can tell you what to answer, none of us cannot rely upon second-hand experience. We must discover Jesus for ourselves. We might know everything there is to know about Jesus and still not be a Christian. Being a Christian is not knowing about Christ but knowing Christ in our lives.

He asks all of us, ‘Who do you think I am?’ What answer will you give? Will Jesus know that his work is safe when you provide your response?

Messiah, joy of every heart,

Thou, thou the King of Glory art!

The Father’s everlasting Son!

Thee it delights Thy Church to own;

For all our hopes on Thee depend,

Whose glorious mercies never end.

                        Charles Wesley (1707 – 88)

 

The Methodist Church provides worship and devotional resources at www.methodist.org.uk