Now more than ever, we need to be boldly making the same proclamation that Peter makes here.
18 One time when Jesus was off praying by himself, his disciples nearby, he asked them, “What are the crowds saying about me, about who I am?”19 They said, “John the Baptizer. Others say Elijah. Still others say that one of the prophets from long ago has come back.”
20 He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?”
Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”21 Jesus then warned them to keep it quiet. They were to tell no one what Peter had said.22 He went on, “It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive.”23 Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.24 Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.25 What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?26 If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I’m leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn’t, you realize, pie in the sky by and by.
27 Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God.”
It seems like more and more our country is drifting away from the foundations it was built upon. The current politico-social climate is tightening a noose of intolerance around the beliefs of Christianity while becoming more tolerant to everything else. As Christians we have lost freedoms that we once enjoyed. Will we ever get them back? The foundations that existed in the beginning of this country are essential to the preservation of the success of the United States of America. Similarly, we as Christians, need to recognize and hold firm to our spiritual foundations, like Peter, in his proclamation of the truth which is this. Jesus is the Son of God. This confession of faith should rule our lives, guiding our conscience and our actions. Peter was bold in his proclamation and we should be the same. Anything less, any doubt, any hesitation, any embarrassment and Christ will be far more embarrassed with us (verse 26).
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