14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
- P118
22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"
23Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
- P119
The disciples confirm that there are many rumors about who Jesus is, but Simon Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God and the saving Messiah that the Jewish people have been waiting for. Jesus says that Peter is blessed to have received this revelation from the Father in heaven. He also prophesies that Peter, whose name sounds like the Greek word for "rock," will be a foundational figure for the church. Jesus promises to build the church, and the enemy will not overcome it. - P120
Although the church has faced and will face opposition and persecution, followers of Jesus continue building up the church. We who live today are likewise called to use our gifts and abilities to strengthen God’s people.- P120
yetJesus does not want His disciples to tell anyone that He is the Messiahbecause this will draw more attention-both good and bad to Him. Jesusexplains to His disciples that He will suffer at the hands of the religiousleaders, die, and then be raised back to life. Peter is disturbed by thesewords, so he takes his teacher aside to rebuke Him. In a short time, Petershifts from being called a rock of the church to being a stumbling block fo-cused on human concerns. - P120
Jesus‘ words remind us that His disciples shouldalways look beyond human concerns to the concerns of God. This requiresself-sacrifice and the willingness to focus on following Jesus, no matter whatsuffering or loss it costs.- P120
Dear God, thank You for equipping me with gifts and abilities so that I might help build Your church and strengthen Your people. When I am distracted by human concerns, guide me to focus on You and see from Your perspective. In Jesus’ name, amen.- P121
