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PETER’S DECLARATION (MARK 8:27-30)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Peter’s declaration” A declaration is a formal or explicit statement or announcement. We shall focus on Peter’s declaration about Jesus.

Who a person is is determined by his or her character. A person’s character is determined by what he or she does and says. When Jesus asked his disciples “Who do people say that I am? (Mark 8:27), He was simply asking them to tell Him how people perceive Him through His actions and words. There is a cliché that action speaks louder than words. It is also important to note that our character is largely determined by what we do. The disciples told Jesus that when some people observed His character they say that Jesus possessed the likeness and character of “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” (Mark 8:28). However, when Peter observed or reflected on the character and deeds of Jesus closely, he declared “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29). In other words, Jesus possessed the character of a  Messiah and was indeed a Saviour. My dear friend, Jesus is the Messiah His words and deeds proved it. He had the power to do extraordinary things that no one could do except Him. Who do people say you are in your marriage, community, church and workplace? Who does your family and friends say you are?

Again, who you are is measured by what you say or the words you alter. Peter again observed the utterances and proclamations of Jesus and concluded that it is only a Messiah that could make such assertions, therefore, with conviction he declared to Jesus “You are the Christ.” ( Mark 8:29).  Jesus is the Christ or Messiah because His Words showed that He was. His words brought healing to the sick, restoration to the physically challenged, hope to the hopeless and life to the dead. What does your speech or words among people communicate about who you are or your nature? If your speech is filled with profane and unwholesome words it communicates to people that you are not a disciple of Jesus. Conversely, if your speech is godly, respectful and encouraging because of your faith in Christ it shows people that you are indeed a true believer and faithful disciple of Christ. It is for this reason Paul admonishes us that  “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:7-10). In other words, Paul is teaching us that our tongues determine who we are therefore we should speak as faithful believers of Christ and ensure that we are not tempted to use our tongue in a manner that will betray our faith and integrity as disciples of Jesus. That is why he posed the rhetorical question “Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and saltwater?  Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. (James 3:11-12). In other words, Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29).  My dear friend, Jesus’ words or proclamations proved to Peter that He is the Messiah, what character do people perceive you to have by your speech or words?  

In conclusion, beloved in the Lord, we are all encouraged to have the character of Christ that made Peter confess that “You are the Christ”.  We must possess Jesus’ humility and use our tongues to sustain the weary as Jesus has always done throughout His ministry even to the point of His suffering, death and resurrection. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to have the image of Christ in us. Amen.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, continually reveal Yourself to us through the reading and hearing of Your Word, for You are the Christ in whom our salvation is made complete, Amen.