EASTER III
April 18, 2021
“Just Who Are We?”
Everyone has some kind of identity, whether we especially like or appreciate it or not. Our names are important, and in many cultures they describe the family to which we belong, and at least part of our ancestry. Since ancient times, people have been identified by their ancestors, their position in the community, their home country, and even by their reputation.
We’ve already read of Jesus’ lineage as descending from the great King David, which fulfilled the ancient prophecies; however, at various times during his ministry he was described as being from Nazareth, or a Galilean. There were those who put him down as being only a carpenter’s son, so why should anyone listen to him?
The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 16, verses 13-20, tells us of an interesting conversation between Jesus and his disciples. He asks them who people say that he is, and they tell him that some say he is a resurrected John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet. Then Jesus asks the crucial question:“But who do you say that I am?” And Peter responds, “You are the Messiah, the Son ofthe Living God.” Jesus acknowledges Peter’s statement, but orders them not to tell people that he is the Messiah, going on to speak about what lay ahead in Jerusalem.
The institution of the Lord’s Supper at the Passover Meal is told in a reverent, worshipful tone, but a harsh element is introduced when Jesus tells the disciples they will all desert him in the coming days. Peter declares his loyalty to the death, but later that night, when asked on three different occasions if he is one of those with Jesus, he denies it vehemently. A short time later, as he hears a rooster crowing, Jesus’ words come devastatingly to mind. It was too late to take back his words of betrayal. All Peter could do was weep bitterly, hating himself for turning his back on the person he had declared to be the Son of God.
Following the resurrection, we read in the Gospel of John, Chapter 21, verses 1-17, that Jesus joins several disciples, including Peter, at a lake where they were fishing. They cooked the fish, ate, and then we listen in on an unusual conversation. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him, and Peter replies, “Yes, Lord.” At each response, Jesus tells Peter to feed and tend his sheep. We could see these three questions and answers as the way by which Jesus offers Peter forgiveness and redemption for his three denials. But our Lord offers even more, as Peter is charged with the work of Jesus himself — to shepherd his sheep.
So it is with us, for however many times we fall short, Jesus picks us up an equal number of times, calling us again to be his people, caring for others and sharing the good news. This is God’s grace, the never-ending love and forgiveness by which we are blessed every day of our lives. If we wonder who people say we are, “Child of God” and all that suggests, sounds good to me!
Grateful to bear the name,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers