Advent Devotionals: Day 3

Peter stood there. The question had been asked. As he reflected on it, things went on in his mind. Jesus had just healed a blind man. “Who do people say that I am?” Jesus had asked.

Peter’s attention turned as one of them said, “John the Baptist.” He looked again at Jesus, off to the side. Something was formulating in his mind. Then another answered, “Elijah.” Peter looked down. Jesus did not fit what he knew of Elijah. Jesus was something new God was doing.

He was called back to the moment as another suggested Jesus was one of the prophets. A thought sparked in Peter’s heart. Yes! Something about a prophet. But which one?

Then Jesus threw out the question of questions, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter was stunned. He squinted a little. Jesus seemed to change before his eyes for an instant, and some kind of veil was lifted, as when the sun breaks through the clouds.

Yes! The Prophet, whom Moses had spoken about! So he blurts out, in a moment. It is an answer from the heavens. You are the Christ!

Jesus turns to him with knowing eyes. There was affirmation there.  This answer was not of human origin. It was revelation of the mystery of the ages. Jesus is the Messiah!

They were told to keep it quiet. But Peter would never again look at Jesus the same way.

Prayer: May our eyes be opened to see Jesus in a new way. Never again as a man. But as the eternal Son, who alone can redeem human lives, and grant eternal life!

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