Based on the extraordinary things he was doing, there was much speculation among the people about the identity of Jesus. Some thought he might be John the Baptist come back to life after being beheaded by King Herod. Or Elijah who was expected to return as a sign of the imminent coming of the long-awaited Messiah. Or the resurrection of some other famous prophet. Jesus then asks his disciples who they think he is. Peter, in the name of all, stands up and declares: "You are the Christ" [the Greek word for 'Messiah']. The word means 'anointed with oil' because that is how a king was appointed. It must have been a terribly exciting moment for the disciples.

Imagine their shock, then, when Jesus goes on to tell them of his rejection and execution at the hands of the leaders of their own people - ending in resurrection. This message of tragedy and failure was not part of the Messiah scenario. They could not take it and Peter protested loudly. "Get behind me, Satan!" he is told. Imagine their confusion! But in time they would learn that this was God's way, a way very different from human expectations. Can I identify with this suffering Messiah and follow in his footsteps?