Listen to Sermon
Pastor Tom Johnson, August 27, 2017
Jesus begins a theological conversation with a question: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” It was a poll of the opinions of Jesus’ identity. And then Jesus challenges his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” That question takes us on a spiritual journey. Who is this Jesus? What do I believe? How has my understanding of the Son of God grown? What difference does his identity make in my day to day life? Who do I say that Jesus is? There is a playful way that Jesus asks the question and challenges the disciples. “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Jesus begins the question by already partially answering his own question. He is the Son of Man. He is human. He is the eternal Son of God who came from heaven to earth to be born of a virgin. He is God incarnate. Son of Man is also the title of the prophets in the Old Testament. Son of Man highlights his humanity. That he is a human being with the call of God on his life.
When Peter answers the question, he flips the emphasis of his humanity toward his divinity: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Peter says, “You are Son of Man, yes. You are also Son of David—the royal line of Messiah. You are also Son of God. Son of Man; Son of God. Human; Divine. Jesus’ playfulness and humor emerge once again when he answers Peter: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” Jesus calls him by his birth name Simon Son of Jonah. Jesus highlights his humanity. Jesus reminds him that he bears the name of the prophet Jonah. And why is that hilarious? Because Jonah means “silly dove” in Hebrew. Jonah is the silly prophet that runs away when God calls him. Jonah is prophet despite himself. Jonah is the servant of God that disobeys God. Jonah is the preacher who reluctantly preaches mercy. In other words, it is a miracle that Peter knows who Jesus is. “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” Faith is a gift. Peter did not use his powers of deduction. God revealed this to him. Peter not only discovers who Jesus is, he discovers more about himself. And that is what happens when we deepen our understanding of Jesus. We deepen our understanding of ourselves. We are flawed, sinful, and silly human beings. And flesh and blood cannot put us on the right path. God the Father does that.
Who is this Jesus? Who am I? Jesus continues his playfulness by nicknaming Simon with the name Peter which means “stone.” Who is Peter? He is the stone Jesus will use to reveal the Rock. And that Rock is Jesus. Jesus is the Cornerstone and Foundation of a new work. Jesus will build his Church upon the truth of who he is. He will gather the nations to himself. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords who will advance his people like an army. Who is Jesus? He is the one who leads us to victory. The devil, evil, and hell itself will build walls and try to fortify themselves against the advance of Truth, Love, Mercy, and Grace. He gave his flesh and blood on the Cross. His flesh and blood rose gloriously over the grave. What Peter’s flesh and blood could not reveal, Jesus’ Flesh and Blood does reveal. Even now he reveals his forgiveness, acceptance, and eternal life in the Bread and Wine of Holy Communion. His Body and Blood reveal his grace, mercy, and love. Who is Jesus? He is the God who wins. He is the Captain of our souls. The gates of hell will not prevail. He is the One who leads us into victory. Who am I? Who are you? Who does Jesus say that we are? “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
We are God’s house of living stones,
Built for His own habitation.
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation.
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell
With all His grace and His favor.
(“Built on the Rock,” LSB 645 v. 3)
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