Readings for the week of 11/8-11/14/2009

Matthew           Mark           Luke            John

As Jesus now continues his extensive tour north through Caesarea Philippi and then south again into Galilee, he uses this time to prepare his chosen disciples for his death and to strengthen their ministry in carrying on his work. At this point in Jesus’ ministry the apostles are truly convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, but apparently they too have notions of a political Messiah. Realizing that their understanding of his messiahship is still very limited, and that their somewhat simplistic faith will be tested, Jesus begins to tell the apostles about his death, as well as the burdens which they themselves will face. Talk of their Leader’s imminent death must surely confuse these men, who have hopes of playing key roles in a wholly different kind of kingdom.

The highlight of this period of preparation comes when Jesus takes Peter, James, and John (who seem to be the inner circle of the disciples) to (apparently) Mount Hermon. There Jesus is transfigured. In what is evidently more than a mere vision, Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus as representatives of the law and the prophets. The subsequent disappearance of Moses and Elijah, as well as words of confirmation spoken from heaven, indicate to the three disciples the demise of the former dispensation and the supremacy of the kingdom of God in Christ Jesus.

Even with this demonstration to the inner three, and despite Jesus’ warning about humility in the use of their miraculous power, it is not long before all the disciples begin to dispute among themselves as to who among them is the greatest. Jesus sets a young child before them as an example of humility and teaches them about temptation, discipline, and forgiveness.

The Gospel accounts record here a confession by Peter that Jesus is the Christ. Using the word “rock” symbolically (Peter’s name means “rock”), Jesus says that it is upon the rock of Peter’s confession of Christ that Jesus’ kingdom will be established.