Watchword for the Month
“But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” – Mt. 16v15
Dear reader/listener, I have at various times heard people mention a long lists of names and titles of Jesus? How many do you know? I think there could be about 50 of them. Some are well-known due to their regular use, while others may seem strange to us.
Now where did this question of Jesus originate? The Gospels spell out various names and attributes either used by himself or the writer or the people who showed some interest in him. The question: Who is this Man? fascinated many. When we look at Mt.1v1 we get an immediate introduction into the topic. Here he is either the Christ, or he is the son of David, or he is the son of Abraham and that starts a whole family tree of Jesus. But all these mentioned names are not “ors”, they are “ands”. Such a lot of names and attributes/titles still bring us not much closer to truly understand who he was and is if it is not a personal response: Who do you say…. Yet, just as it happened at our own baptism or that of our children, his was confirmed at his Baptism by the Father. But strangely, even the demons bore testimony of who this Man is.
Matthew seems to suggest that the crowds and even his disciples had difficulty identifying Him. Do you also find it strange that even his closest associates, the disciples, had problems with it? Perhaps not so strange too when many of us do not really know a partner or friend until something happens that brings clarity.
But even his enemies, the Pharisees tried all sorts of tricks like ‘show us a miracle’ to get an understanding of him so they could execute their sinister plans on him. They were keen to have an understanding so they could not look like fools before their followers.
All of these and many more prompted Jesus to attempt to give some clarity on this question. The right moment came when he had his disciples alone in a place called Caesarea Philippi. It had to come. You, my associates, my friends should have been able to help others to know who I am, what my names are or what my purpose in life is. Names are important and in some cultures are more than just beautiful – they express part of who you are. And this is why it was important for people to know Jesus by name which would also explain his calling, his mission.
There are some family cultures where similar names are given down the line and hereby you are easier identified as to your lineage. This also seemed to have played a role here as the disciples took up the names people thought of as they tried to identify Jesus. So he could have been John the Baptist, or someone else in disguise, or as they thought, someone who came back from the dead. Popular and well-known names came up in the line of his activities and therefor it would not have been unusual to associate him with prophets of old. His knowledge of Old Testament times gave rise to these speculations. His disciples and those other people who followed him must have given serious thought to his accomplishments like healings and other related actions. In whatever way they were looking at and thinking about him, there was something unique and special about him. One would have wondered what sort of discussions and speculations there were amongst the disciples.
Who are we following? Is he real? What answers do we give to people who ask us? Do we support what he is doing or are we just astounded if not confused by it? Remember, he eventually would depend on them to continue doing what they were busy with, so it was important that they have a clear understanding of his purpose that was reflected in his name.
There must have been some earlier consensus on it so Peter could continue the leadership role and answer Jesus: You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus then acknowledged this in his response to Peter.
Let me close with the question to you: Do you know Jesus? What is he to you? What do you like to call him? Will you tell others about him, about who he is to you? Remember the question is: Who do you say I am?
Augustine Joemath (Bishop)