Sunday, August 27th - You are the Christ, O Lord!

For all of Sunday's Lectionary readings, click here

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16

It's so easy to try to put Jesus into terms we can understand. I can see why the people might have claimed Jesus was one of their familiar prophets - there is comfort in familiar, understandable things. There is an element of safety in things we can easily identify. 

But Jesus was all about breaking through preconceived notions. When people expected a king or a conqueror, Jesus came as a servant. When they expected condemnation of the people they looked down on, Jesus offered forgiveness and compassion. Jesus was revolutionary - he turned everything on its head. Want to receive? Give. Want to be exalted? Be humble. 

We are constantly being asked who Jesus is - maybe not directly, but the world is watching. People look to the Church to see who Jesus is. What is our response? Who are we showing them that Jesus is? Do our actions say that Jesus is condemnation and judgment? Or do our actions show the revolutionary Jesus who stood up for the oppressed and offered forgiveness and compassion?

If someone asked you to demonstrate with your life who you say Jesus is, what would your life show as your answer? Peter became the "rock" God built the Church on for recognizing Jesus for what he was. What can God build on us?

Sequence hymn: You are the Christ, O Lord #254 (click here to listen)

1. You are the Christ, O Lord,
the Son of God most high!
For ever be adored that Name
in earth and sky,
in which, though mortal strength may fail,
the saints of God at last prevail!

2. Oh! Peter was most blest
with blessedness unpriced,
who, taught of God, confessed
the Godhead in the Christ!
For of your Church, Lord, you made known
this saint a true foundation-stone.