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"Who do people say I am”
Jesus began life as the carpenters' son, sometimes referred to as the son of
Mary. Later in Chapter 4 of St Luke's gospel Christ announces " The spirit of
the Lord is given to me, for he has anointed me, he has sent me to bring good
news to the poor."
Jesus engaged the disciples in conversation. "Who do people say I am” or How do
I appear to others?. These are questions that people ask but especially those in
the public eye. Jesus asked the question and availed of the opportunity to make
a public revelation of himself. When Jesus asked His question he did so for the
benefit of his friends the Apostles. Jesus was well able to cope with adulation
and hostility.
The Gospels give us an account of Christ and His gradual understanding of His
role as Messiah. Messiah for many was about power, influence and adulation. Some
thought he might be John the Baptist, other Elijah or some other prophet. Peter
had a very good ensight," you are the Christ of God”.
He then presents to them the prospect of rejection and shameful death. Moreover
true discipleship is about self emptying. The path of the Christian is not to
power and privilege but to simplicity and humility. There can be suffering in
this path but the reward is freedom in Christ.
George O'Mahony.
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