Jesus: Identity and Mission

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Reading: Mark 8:27-30

Reflection: We see here Jesus returning to a question the disciples themselves have recently asked themselves about Jesus. Earlier, after Jesus had calmed a storm, the disciples asked themselves, "Who is this man that even the wind and the waves obey him?" Now, having had some time to see Jesus' ministry, to hear his teaching and spend time with him, Jesus now tests how the disciples will answer their own question. He does this by first getting them to reflect on the many public opinions about his identity. And, as it is now, there were lots of opinions about Jesus. Some thought he was John the Baptist come to life again. Some thought he was Elijah who Malachi said would come before the coming of the Messiah. Some thought he was a prophet like the prophets of old. It is interesting to note that none of them though he was the Messiah. However, Peter responds to this question by stating that Jesus was the Christ, which is the Greek way of saying Jesus was the Messiah. As will become clear, Peter is both right and wrong. He is correct in that Jesus is the Messiah. He is incorrect concerning his assumptions of what that means. Peter will need more time and training to fully understand both the identity of Jesus (which he has got right), and the mission of Jesus (which he has yet to comprehend). Peter, like us, is on a journey toward understanding. May we all continue to walk with Jesus until we all come to the place where both Jesus' identity and mission are clear in our minds.