Peter’s profession of Jesus as “Christ, the Son of the Living God” that we reflected upon last week, was an occasion for Jesus’ intimate circle to know who He really was. Peter was praised for his correct answer, even though it did not originate from him. His reasoning, however, remained very human and like the other disciples, he had the concept of a Messiah as a powerful person who would impose his plan on people without any resistance. They were looking for a political leader that would liberate them from foreign oppressors. Jesus shows in the gospel that they, and particularly Peter, read him wrong.
The Jewish people expected the Messiah to move to Jerusalem and take possession of the city. After this he would assert himself as king over all nations. Jesus’ words about going to Jerusalem to suffer greatly and be put to death are incomprehensible language for the disciples. Such announcement cannot come from the mouth of the true Messiah. The disciples were stunned by such pronouncements from Jesus. Peter was quick to react said, “God forbid, Lord, no such thing shall ever happen to you.” Peter had confessed previously that Christ was the anointed One but failed to realize that Christ was also man. The Messiah was human and that to suffer and die was natural to our race.
