EASTER VI

May 14, 2023

“Identity Crisis”      

Have you ever considered the many ways we identify ourselves?  As youngsters still living in the family home, we’re someone’s son or daughter, and perhaps brother or sister.  As time goes on, we think of ourselves more independently, as residents of a community, students (or alumni) of a school, or employees of a business or organization.  Part of growing up is sorting out the various “parts” and discovering one’s own unique identity.  After all, even if I’m happy to be known as my parents’ daughter, my husband’s wife, and my children’s mom, I definitely like being my individual self as well!   

 In ancient times, people identified themselves as members of a specific tribal group, and descendants of a certain family.  The lineage of every family was important, as it was firmly established, whereas kingdoms rose and fell, and citizenship based on the ruling power of the country was subject to change.       

This custom was evident when Jesus engaged his disciples in an unusual conversation.  He asked them who people said that he was, and they told him that some were saying he was a resurrected John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet.  “But who do you say that I am?” was the followup question, and Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”  Jesus went on to bless Peter, declaring “. . . you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church . . .”   (Matthew 16:13-18).  This exchange may sound as though Peter’s position in the new church was solidified, but as we learn more about Peter and his struggles in the faith, we learn again of how Jesus uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.     

After sharing the Passover meal, Jesus told the disciples, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’”  (Matthew 26:31)  Peter insisted he would be loyal even to death, but later that night, when asked if he had been with Jesus, he denied it vehemently.  As the dawn broke and a rooster crowed, Peter remembered what Jesus had said, and he wept bitter tears of guilt and self-loathing.  (Matthew 26:69-75)       

Following his resurrection, Jesus appeared to several disciples, including Peter.  They had been fishing, and ate together on the lakeshore.  During a heartfelt conversation, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him.  Each time, Peter replied, “Yes, Lord,” and each time Jesus told Peter to feed and tend his sheep.  Not only was Peter redeemed and forgiven for his denial, Jesus charged him with the work of shepherding his sheep.  (John 21:15-17)     

This abundance of threes — denials, questions, and promises — teaches us that although we, too, fail, Jesus will forgive and strengthen us to do his work and be his witnesses throughout the world.  Through Christ’s death and resurrection, Peter was no longer the weak, frightened man who failed to stand up for the One he followed.  He received a new identity, as do we all, and it’s the only one we need:  Redeemed and Beloved Child of God. 

Humbled and grateful,

Your friend in Christ,  

Mary Rogers