Marcan Secrecy Narrative

As Jesus and the disciples are walking toward Caesarea Philippi, He asks them ‘who do people say I am?’ The disciples provide an array of responses that indicate that the people are wildly mistaken about His identity. Jesus continues the line of questioning by asking the disciples ‘who do you say that I am?’ Interestingly, and somewhat ironically, Peter proclaims ‘You are the Messiah!” The reply of Peter is interesting because the label “Messiah” refers to the Jewish expectations that a leader will emerge in the lineage of King David to liberate the Israelites from their Roman oppressors. Such an obvious challenge to the reign of Caesar will not be allowed.

Peter’s response is also ironic because of the violent response that will be directed toward Jesus and the disciples as a result of his declaration.

Following Peter’s proclamation about the identity of Jesus, He warns the disciples not to tell anyone about Him, which is even more ironic because the popularity of Jesus is increasing exponentially following each of the miracles that He performs. Although Jesus instructs several people who He has healed not to tell anyone about His actions, words are not even necessary as people are able to see the transformation that Jesus brings into the lives of those who have experienced various maladies. It is quite easy to assume that these are the types of events that would be celebrated by Jesus and all of His followers. However, in spite of the tremendous good that Jesus brings, it will not be celebrated by everyone and it will not be celebrated for long.

Shortly after instructing the disciples not to tell anyone about His identity, He explains to the disciples about the suffering that He must endure. Suffering was not the outcome that Peter was expecting, nor is suffering the outcome that most of us desire. Furthermore, Jesus explains that being a disciple involves the willingness to surrender our lives to a purpose that is greater than our selfish desires can fully appreciate without fully trusting God to accomplish His desires through our lives. One of the most confusing and harrowing statements concludes the Gospel lectionary reading for this week ‘whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it’ (Mark 8:35).

How often have we cautiously answered the theological question ‘who do you say Jesus is?’ in ways that were intended to preserve the comforts of life?  The question is answered best not by the words that we choose, rather it is reflected in the way we live.

In Christ,
Jon McCoy