We just heard Jesus asking his disciples: “Who do People say that the Son of Man is?â€
What is Jesus talking about? His disciples traveled with him, maybe for two years now. And what is a “Son of Man†anyway?
If I were there I might say – you are Jesus, from Nazareth, a great teacher and miracle worker. Jesus, are you feeling unsure of yourself? I believe in you. You are a great guy. Don’t worry Jesus.
That is the way most people might answer. Our first reaction would be based on our own experience. How we think of ourselves. We are unsure of who we are. We are worried about what others think of us. I can relate to Jesus’ question.
And there is Peter, getting nervous maybe. Let’s move on. Enough of this self examination. I don’t care what others think of Jesus, of me, or of us. “Jesus, you are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God.†OK, we are done, let’s go.
Then Jesus turns to Peter and tells him that this insight comes from God.
Now it is time for Peter to be afraid and to think about himself. God used me? God gave me insight? God touched me?
My friends,
We all try to understand ourselves. We all try to read what others think of us. Who am I? Where am I going? Have I made the right decisions? Do people like me? None of us are alone in this.
And… we are all Peter. God gives us all insight. Opportunity to know who He is. The ability to see Him and have Him within us.
You and I are human. You and I are Peter. We are asked to say clearly and with great passion, You are the Christ! the Messiah! the Son of God! You are asked for your insight at communion time.
I say “The Body and Blood of Christ†and I ask for your insight. If you say amen, when you say amen – you are Peter. You are touched by God with the grace to say: “Jesus, You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God.†I see You and I take you into my heart.