19
Simon’s Confession
Luke 9:18-22 & Mark 8:27-33
Simon wrestles with a nagging question in his heart: “Who is Jesus really?” After witnessing the miraculous multiplication of bread and then Jesus walking on water, the question grows bigger in his mind - and in the minds of the other disciples. It is as if this question echoes over the mountains, hills, and valleys.
First, it was John the Baptist who hesitantly asked this question before he was beheaded by Herod. Then Herod himself became troubled by the same question - perhaps his conscience was haunting him.
Once again, Jesus is alone in prayer, as the disciples have often seen Him do. This, once more, highlights the incredible importance of prayer. If Jesus, the Son of God, found it necessary to pray, how much more do we need to? Prayer is our spiritual breath. Without breath, we cannot live; without prayer, we spiritually die.
When Jesus finishes His time of prayer, Simon and the other disciples approach Him. But Jesus catches them off guard with a direct question, almost as if He has read their thoughts: “Who do people say I am?”
Simon looks at the others, searching for an answer.
“Some say You are John the Baptist. After Herod killed him so cruelly, Herod himself thought that You might be John’s spirit returned!” Simon laughs nervously.
“Yes, but others say You are a prophet - Elijah or someone else from ancient times who has risen from the dead,” sighs John.
“Yes, I have heard those rumours too,” Jesus responds. “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” His gaze is fixed on Simon.
Simon decides to answer on behalf of them all. The words do not come easily: “You are the Christ, the Anointed One of God.”
Simon is startled by his own words. “Isn’t this blasphemy?” he wonders. But everything is so overwhelming - he doesn’t know what to think anymore. Yet deep down, he is certain: Jesus is the Christ!
Then Jesus calls them closer: “Do not tell anyone about our conversation today,” He warns them, “for the Son of Man must suffer greatly.”
He goes on to describe in detail how the religious leaders, the scribes, and the Pharisees will reject and persecute Him. Ultimately, they will kill Him.
Simon wants to cover his ears. How can His Master say such terrible things? Look at how the crowds follow Him daily! He is so popular - how could anyone ever want to kill Him?
Through his confusion, Simon barely registers Jesus’ next words: “On the third day, I will rise again.” But the thought seems so unreal that it doesn’t even sink in.
“No, no! This cannot happen!” Simon’s mind screams. “They cannot kill my Master!”
Overcome with emotion, he rushes to Jesus, grabbing His arm and pulling Him aside, away from the others:
“Master, You are speaking wrongly! How can You, after everything, say that You will be killed? I will never allow it!”
Simon watches as his Master sadly turns toward the others and says: “Get behind Me, Satan. You are not thinking about what God wants, but only about what people want.”
Simon turns pale and cold. Did Jesus really call him ‘Satan’?
With tears in his eyes, he walks away into the field. He feels as if he could bite his tongue for speaking so rashly. What must the Master think of him now?
We might ask ourselves today: How could people, after everything Jesus did - His miracles and His teachings - not clearly see that He was the Messiah? Was Simon the only one who truly recognised this?
Today, we can say with certainty that we know Jesus is the Messiah - the Redeemer. But His salvation was not what the Jews had expected.
The real question is: How do you and I experience Jesus? Is it just knowledge and faith that He is the Saviour, or do we have a living relationship with Him?
Indeed, Jesus died - nailed to a cursed tree. But thank God, that was not the end of the story!
Jesus did rise from the dead on the third day, just as He told His disciples He would! And today, He reigns as King of all kings! Let us honour and worship Him for this truth.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we give You all the glory and thanks for Your work of salvation! We worship You as the King of all kings! You are the Christ, the one true God!