Lenten Reflection for Day 40
Date: Saturday April 23, 2011 (Easter Saturday)
Author: Susan Van Abs
Bible Passage:
Matthew 16:13–16 (NRSV)
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Reflection:
Who is Jesus to you? This passage asks this question of us as well as of the disciples. Do you believe in “the Messiah, the Son of the living God?”
In this passage, Jesus is giving his disciples a quiz. He asks them two very pointed questions. The disciples give him a variety of answers to the first question: John the Baptists, Elijah, Jeremiah, one of the prophets. If we asked some of our friends this question, we might very well get a varied answer about who Jesus is.
I often think about the life of the disciples and what life was like for them to be followers of Jesus. It was not easy. They witnessed Jesus’ life on earth by seeing him perform miracles, preach and teach using parables. They were mocked and even though they loved Jesus, Peter denied Christ, one betrayed Christ, and the rest abandoned him. Their faith waivered, just like ours does when we feel God is not with us.
Simon Peter answered the question, “You (Jesus) are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Note Peter answered “the Messiah” – not “a Messiah” or “Messiah.” Jesus is “the Messiah” who is written about in the Old Testament.
On Easter Saturday, we know the outcome and the joy of victory following on Easter Sunday. We know that Christ was raised from the dead. The disciples, however, had to rely on their faith and belief in Jesus. We prepare for Easter Sunday during the Easter Vigil service this evening as we wait for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The sanctuary will come alive with beautiful music, flowers, and lights symbolizing Jesus, the Light of the World. Tonight, there will be readings of the faithful who came before Jesus – Moses and the Burning Bush, Jonah and the whale, to name a couple of them.
Who is Jesus to you? As a disciple of Christ, how will you answer? Tomorrow we will be joyful and will proclaim your resurrection.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, we eagerly await the joy of Easter. We prepare ourselves for your glorious resurrection where we will sing with rejoicing! We thank you for the gift of your son, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. We will sing with all our being –“You are the Light of the World”. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment