In the relative safety of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples two questions: first, what popular opinion about his him is; second, who they think he is. Popular opinion was that Jesus spoke for God, like the prophets.
So Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” The “you” is emphatic. This cuts to the core of the disciples’ relationship to Jesus and moves the question to a very different level. Peter blurts out the right words, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” But when Jesus explains his Messiahship means his suffering, Peter says, in effect, “no way.”
Thus, the second part focuses on the identity of Peter. Like biblical Israel, Peter’s identity is that of the one, in spite of his shortcomings, who is mysteriously chosen to receive divine revelation. Peter, despite his deficiencies, is chosen for Divine Revelation. Jesus earlier thanked God for hiding these truths from the wise but revealing them to infants, stating only the Son knows the Father and reveals Him to whom He chooses. The point is this: if you are willing, God will make you able. Peter loved Jesus and was willing for the sake of that love. God made him able for the task ahead.
The Transfiguration occurs soon after Peter’s confession, where Peter, James, and John see Jesus in his full identity. For Peter and us, knowing who Jesus is starts with recognising him—a glimpse of his transfiguration and crucifixion. Confessing Jesus as Messiah and Son of God involves understanding why he suffered and was crucified. Thomas Merton notes that following Christ requires risking everything to gain everything.
Today’s gospel beautifully emphasizes the significance of our identity. Peter represents every one of us who confidently proclaims Jesus. As believers, our sense of who we are is closely connected to recognizing and embracing the Lord’s identity.
Jesus gently told his disciples not to reveal that he was the Christ, because the reason still applies today. He didn’t want rumors or human testimonies to spread. Instead, he wished for people to come to him because they heard God’s Word, not just human words. This way, the disciples can clearly share the true message and introduce the genuine Jesus.
Father Josekutty Mathew CMF
Claretian Publications
bibleclaret.org
