April 4, 2025
A Pop Quiz
Friends, some Gospels are well-known, while others tend to be more obscure. I think the more obscure (and challenging ones) are those we need to spend more time with, but the Gospel of Mark (Mk 8:27-33) is known for the seemingly easy question that Jesus poses to His disciples. The question is; "But who do you say that I am?"
I think the Gospels are so rich, every single word, that here we can, if we choose, debate the meaning of the word "But" in that sentence. What did Jesus mean by saying that? Maybe we'll comment on that in a future reflection.
I think on the surface, it's relatively easy to answer this question that Jesus is posing to each of us and, like Peter, respond with something like, "You are the Son of God." It's not an incorrect answer but I do not think it is personal enough.
To be honest and direct, as I read this Gospel, this question yesterday, and my mind started to answer just like Peter. "Yep". "I know who Jesus is! I read His Word every day. Next question, please."
By God's grace, I quickly realized that my snap answer to this sort of "Pop Quiz" was absolutely insufficient. I was initially thinking of Jesus as my All and my Saviour, but it occurred to me that I was missing something substantial. Again, by God's grace, I realized that what I was missing was my understanding and belief in Jesus' mission and that this mission was for me. He freely accepted torture and death for me, and in Him doing this, I have an opportunity for eternal life, an incredible option, because I am convinced that without His death and resurrection, my sins would surely destin me to eternal death.
I needed that "Pop Quiz" yesterday. Too easily I become lax in my faith and comfortable with how I show Jesus gratitude for this indescribable gift. I need to be more uncomfortable to remind myself that for anything to be pleasing to God, it must be sacrificial; it must cost me something.
We are on a mission, and it is dependent upon God alone as to what and who He deigns to place in our lives. How we respond, whether acceptance or resistance, makes all the difference. Saying "Yes" to Him is our daily task.
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