When Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of the CSI television franchise and myriad of other t.v. shows and movies (like the Pirates of the Caribbean series) chose to use songs from the rock band The Who, I believe it sparked an interest from a new generation to hear their music. They have always been an amazing rock band from playing Woodstock in 1969 to the Superbowl in 2010. Perhaps their best known song today is the theme of the original CSI t.v. show, Who Are You?
Identity is important through out this chapter. The question, “Who are you?” is implied through out these experiences.
Start with the Pharisees. They want a sign. It’s like saying, “Who are you? Show us a miracle so we can know if you are the Christ.” Jesus says they’ve seen all the miracles and signs they need to see, and only one more is needful – the sign of Jonah. He is, of course, talking about his death and resurrection – swallowed by the grave from three days, but coming out alive on Easter morning. In essence, he is saying, “That’s who I am. The Lord who dies for his people to pay for their sins, and rises again so that they too may live.”
Then the disciples in the boat. Jesus warns them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Beware of the way they cast doubt and false teaching around because it grows like yeast in dough. They don’t understand, and they think he’s talking about bread. “O you of little faith,” Jesus chides. He reminds them of what he’s done. He’s pointing the to who he is . . . but they haven’t quite grabbed it yet.
In Caesarea Philippi he asks them directly so they have to look him in the eye ask themselves, “Who are you?” Peter gives the answer, “You are the Christ!” You are the one God promised would save us from our sins! This is a great moment and it opens the door to more identification. First Jesus identifies Peter and states that on his confession the church itself is built. Jesus then begins to explain that he is headed to Jerusalem to suffer, to be killed and finally to rise. He is showing them, “This is who I am. This is God’s plan of salvation. This what I’ve come to do.”
At this point Peter speaks up, and receives a who-do-you-think-you-are? experience! When he contradicts Jesus, he is told very bluntly that he is being a hindrance to God’s work.
Jesus’ rebuke of Peter leads to yet another Who-are-you? moment. This time the question is for us. Who are you (who are we) people who want to gain the world or people who are willing to lose their life for Jesus sake?
I worry sometimes that the church has lost it’s identity as people who have been redeemed and are willing to lay down their lives for Jesus, and exchanged it for a group of people who gather for their own interests – some of which are very noble – but who’s activity is mostly centered around building buildings and programs to serve those inside instead of engaging the battle for the hearts and souls of people at the gates of Hell.
Jesus is our savior. He fulfilled the sign of Jonah. He is who he says he is.
Who are you?
Who am I?
Redeemed? Forgiven? Yes! So, let’s be people who live for Jesus’ sake and share his Good News.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a new identity in Jesus, and making me part of your church – those You have called out of the world. I have often continued to live as though my purpose was to gain the whole world, help me to remember my salvation in Jesus’ death and resurrection and to live for the One who gave His life for me. Show my neighbors what you can do with my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Identity is important through out this chapter. The question, “Who are you?” is implied through out these experiences.
Start with the Pharisees. They want a sign. It’s like saying, “Who are you? Show us a miracle so we can know if you are the Christ.” Jesus says they’ve seen all the miracles and signs they need to see, and only one more is needful – the sign of Jonah. He is, of course, talking about his death and resurrection – swallowed by the grave from three days, but coming out alive on Easter morning. In essence, he is saying, “That’s who I am. The Lord who dies for his people to pay for their sins, and rises again so that they too may live.”
Then the disciples in the boat. Jesus warns them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Beware of the way they cast doubt and false teaching around because it grows like yeast in dough. They don’t understand, and they think he’s talking about bread. “O you of little faith,” Jesus chides. He reminds them of what he’s done. He’s pointing the to who he is . . . but they haven’t quite grabbed it yet.
In Caesarea Philippi he asks them directly so they have to look him in the eye ask themselves, “Who are you?” Peter gives the answer, “You are the Christ!” You are the one God promised would save us from our sins! This is a great moment and it opens the door to more identification. First Jesus identifies Peter and states that on his confession the church itself is built. Jesus then begins to explain that he is headed to Jerusalem to suffer, to be killed and finally to rise. He is showing them, “This is who I am. This is God’s plan of salvation. This what I’ve come to do.”
At this point Peter speaks up, and receives a who-do-you-think-you-are? experience! When he contradicts Jesus, he is told very bluntly that he is being a hindrance to God’s work.
Jesus’ rebuke of Peter leads to yet another Who-are-you? moment. This time the question is for us. Who are you (who are we) people who want to gain the world or people who are willing to lose their life for Jesus sake?
I worry sometimes that the church has lost it’s identity as people who have been redeemed and are willing to lay down their lives for Jesus, and exchanged it for a group of people who gather for their own interests – some of which are very noble – but who’s activity is mostly centered around building buildings and programs to serve those inside instead of engaging the battle for the hearts and souls of people at the gates of Hell.
Jesus is our savior. He fulfilled the sign of Jonah. He is who he says he is.
Who are you?
Who am I?
Redeemed? Forgiven? Yes! So, let’s be people who live for Jesus’ sake and share his Good News.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a new identity in Jesus, and making me part of your church – those You have called out of the world. I have often continued to live as though my purpose was to gain the whole world, help me to remember my salvation in Jesus’ death and resurrection and to live for the One who gave His life for me. Show my neighbors what you can do with my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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