Since the beginning of this gospel the question has been continually asked: "Who is Jesus?" Who do the people think he is? The disciples give a number of answers reflecting the speculations of the people. Then Jesus asks: "Who do you say I am?" Peter speaks up in the name of all: "You are the Christ!" This is indeed a dramatic moment. Jesus is not just an ordinary rabbi, not just a prophet. He is the long-awaited Christ, the Messiah, the anointed King of Israel. This is a tremendous breakthrough for the disciples and a terribly exciting moment for them. Their Master is no less than the Messiah! And they are his close friends!

Jesus immediately begins to tell them what is going to happen to him in the days ahead: that he will suffer grievously, be rejected by the religious leaders of his own people, be put to death and - perhaps most surprising of all - after three days rise again. It is not difficult to imagine how the disciples must have been profoundly shocked and could not believe their ears at what Jesus was telling them. It did not make sense. Peter, their impetuous leader, immediately begins to protest. At this Jesus chides him, "Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God's way but man's." In the days ahead they will be learning that the Messiah is to be a suffering, dying and rising Messiah. Which Jesus do I identify with? Which one do I follow? Where does the Cross fit in my life?