Who Do You Say I Am?

The disciples have been following Jesus and they have realized that their Master is someone extraordinary. They hear the praises of the people, some saying that he has the spirit of John the Baptist, others proclaiming that he must be the great prophet Elijah who has returned to the world. But his true identity remains a mystery even to those closest to him.

This is all part of the gradual unfolding of the Gospel of Mark. In the very beginning, people are saying, “But who is this man? He has power over unclean spirits, he works wonders, the wind and sea obey him, who can he be?”

The passage we read today brings us to the very centre of Mark’s gospel, and is the gospel’s peak moment. We can imagine that we are about halfway through a “catechism course” taught by St. Mark. What have you understood about Jesus? Have you seen things that others have failed to see and understand?

But today comes the shock surprise. After mentioning what others say about the identity of Jesus, Peter shows that he understands, and on behalf of the other disciples, proclaims, “You are the Christ, You are the Messiah.” The perfect, correct answer. So why does Jesus forbid him to tell others?

Peter has spoken the correct, exact answer all right, but what he has in mind is very incorrect, and even wrong. You see, Peter is convinced that Jesus is about to establish the great Kingdom of God on earth through power, force, conquest and political rule, and Peter and disciples would all be part of it! He couldn’t have been more mistaken

And so Jesus must state clearly the purpose of his coming, his goal. He must make the disciples understand His Father’s plan for salvation and redemption. In the second part of the Gospel today, Jesus begins to teach them “that the Son of Man was destined to suffer, to be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be put to death.” Why would you ever want to be a disciple of Jesus? Why would you leave your homes, and families and boats for this?? Peter assures Jesus, he must be wrong!

And so Jesus teaches us clearly what it means to be a Christian, to be a disciple and he sets three standards by which every Christian is to be judged:

Renounce yourself

Take up your cross

Follow me

"Renounce yourself” means to stop always thinking about yourself, stop making yourself the centre of all your interests, forgetting about others. If you want to follow Jesus, you have got to first reject selfish self-centredness.

Secondly, “take up your cross” does not mean pain and sorrow always please God. The Christian does not seek pain, the Christian seeks love. The cross is the ultimate sign of love and of giving of self. To carry your cross means to join Jesus as he gives the greatest sign of love.

And third, “follow me” means to share the choice of Jesus, take part in His plan, to live your life for love of others.

Discussions about Jesus still continue. No one denies his greatness, and many even say that he is the greatest man ever to live on earth. But is that enough, to be a Christian? Each one of us must answer the question from the very depths of your soul: Who is Jesus?

Are you willing to truly renounce yourself? Take up your cross? Follow him all the way to Jerusalem? Are you an admirer of Christ, or a disciple? Brothers and sisters, your life depends on your answer.