Name-dropping

Jesus went to the territory near the town of Caesarea Philippi, where he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’
‘Some say John the Baptist,’ they answered. ‘Others say Elijah, while others say Jeremiah or some other prophet.’
‘What about you?’ he asked them. ‘Who do you say I am?’
Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’
(verses 13-16)

Read Matthew 16:13-20

I once had a talk with Bob Ansett at McDonalds. Sometimes I have a yarn with Michael O’Connor. On another occasion I met Evonne Cawley at a social event. Recently, my son had a chat with John Howard. All of these statements are true. When I want to impress people, I mention these facts with a nonchalant air. I am a name-dropper.

A few names that are bound to impress are mentioned in our Bible reading too. Jesus refers to himself as the ‘Son of Man’, a reference to a prophetic figure in the book of Ezekiel. His followers say that his name is mentioned in the same breath as the ancient prophets Elijah and Jeremiah. Others claim he is a reincarnation of the recently executed John the Baptist.

It is Peter who drops the biggest name of all: he says that Jesus is the Christ or the Messiah, the Son of God himself, promised across the centuries as the one who would save the world.

For once Peter had it right.

Dear God, give me the faith and understanding to recognise who Jesus really is and to see in him the Saviour of the world. Amen.

by Richard Hauser, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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