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It must have taken Peter a
while to accept a person like Jesus. Here was a young rabbi who
radiated peace. He performed powerful miracles, yet always turned away
from the crowds and back to God. Unlike the other rabbis, Jesus
spoke with an authority that came from personal knowledge. While Judaism
emphasized the extreme "otherness," holiness and justice of God, this
Jesus called God his Father. In Jesus' presence Peter recognized his own
sinfulness but he also felt God's love and forgiveness.
Peter and the other Jewish people of his time could never have expected
a Messiah like Jesus. The Messiah was to have been a descendant of King
David. He was expected to be a royal person, educated in the science of
battle. He would be the one who would "set Israel free." Instead of
fighting political battles, Jesus chose to fight his battles for the
hearts of those who heard him speak.
Peter responded to Jesus' question, "who do you say that I am?" from his
heart. "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" Though he
was still a long way from understanding what it meant for Jesus to be
Messiah, Peter already was sure that this was God's anointed.
Jesus knew Peter was stubborn and impulsive, still our Blessed Lord
chose Peter to be the rock, the foundation for the church. With the
leadership of men like Peter and Paul, and the other apostles, the
teachings of Jesus were quickly spread throughout most of the known
world. Imagine what the Holy Spirit could do with today’s mass media.
All that is required are people like you and me who are not afraid to
answer that arresting question, "who do you say that I am?"
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