God works so we can accept Jesus’ authority

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

While there are lots of impressive miracles and important exchanges in this passage, what strikes me the most is how Jesus asks Simon Peter to reflect on everything he has seen and heard in his awe inspiring, nerve challenging, faith boosting, life changing (and, in Peter’s case, body soaking) journey so far. One simple question. Who is this Jesus they have been with?

I am not surprised that Simon has an answer for this. I would expect Simon to have thought about it a lot, seen stacks of evidence and spent time chatting with so many other eyewitnesses to Jesus that his view would be clearer than anyone else’s. Of course he is going to have an opinion, and anyone would be wise to pay attention to it if they want to understand Jesus.

But Simon has more than an opinion. He has a revelation. According to Jesus, by recognising him as “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” Simon has not used his “flesh and blood” observation and judgement but received inspiration from God.

Why do I find that so amazing? It shows me that accepting Jesus’ identity and authority must be such a big deal that no-one can do it without God’s help. That rings true with my own experience. Would that be yours too? Did we work out that Jesus was to be our ultimate authority all by ourselves, or did we need God to grow faith in us?

I also love that after Simon expressed his revealed understanding of Jesus, he was given a new identity and purpose. Jesus changed his name to Peter to reflect what he wanted to do with him. Peter’s new life was not just inspired by Jesus but defined and powered by him.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God’s work to bring us back to him is far more than an exercise in call and response. He works in and around people whose faith is growing, even before they can express it. God knows us, and what we can become, better than we know ourselves, and if we accept Jesus’ authority, his word can redefine us, giving us new life. This is his work, not just our belief.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

When I think about evangelism, I often think about some big, difficult, scary task that I doubt I can do very well. But when I share hope and faith with people in our community, I will remember how it is God’s role to reveal his true nature and bring people to the point of life-changing acceptance of Jesus. I’m encouraged that he has been working on this for ages!

Who am I going to share this with?

My family and anyone who wants to pray with and for us and our community.