Unsurprised by Suffering


20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” 
Luke 9:20 

On November 19th, 1999, a man by the name of John Carpenter was sitting in the hot seat of the T.V. Show “Who wants to be a Millionaire”. He had made it to the million-dollar question with a lifeline remaining and was as cool as a cucumber. So cool, you could say, that when his final question was revealed to him he used his lifeline to call his parents, not to ask for their help, but just to tell them “I didn’t really need your help, I just wanted to let you know that I am going to win the million dollars.” Then he hung up and actually won the million dollars! We may not think that we have faced any question with as great of an impact on our lives as that, however there is one question that has greater ramifications if answered incorrectly; the question is: “Who do you say Jesus is?”

But this is more than a question requiring intellectual knowledge. Knowing that Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity, or that he is the Creator of all things does not do anything for a person if that truth has not taken deeper root into their heart. The answer to this question really will affect our lives and eternity and should not be taken lightly. In today’s reading, we read that the disciples correctly understood who Jesus was. Many theologians and writers much more intelligent than I am have performed much analysis on this very important statement by Peter; instead, I want to highlight Jesus’ shocking response. He responds to this declaration, not by commending his disciples, but by telling them about the suffering which he was about to experience (vs 22) and the suffering that he expected them to also join him in (vs 23-27).

I am sure that the disciples were taken aback by his response because this would not have been the Messiah that they had envisioned. They probably pictured a messianic king who would rid them of the Roman rule and establish a kingdom with no end. Instead, Jesus tells them that he is the Prince of Peace and that his methods are radically different. More so, the road of suffering was also one that his disciples were meant to walk themselves. In verses 23-27, he tells them how this road is marked with self-denial, sacrifice, rejection, and loss. Instead of striving to advance in this world, we are to look towards the final judgment and live faithfully despite our conditions.

And this is just as much shocking to us now as it was for the disciples then. As citizens of a heavenly kingdom, our commitment to Christ demands that we lose ourselves to find it. To be willing to live a life of loss, to gain a life of greater eternal significance. The question posed to the disciples is not simply to have them articulate who Jesus is, but to lead them to what he requires of them. May we be a people wholly committed to Christ. A people who diligently carry our crosses for the advancement of His kingdom, for His glory. Come, Lord Jesus come.

Grace and Peace,
Alex Galvez

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