When our old buddy Peter says, “You are the Messiah” –it was, as if, “a suspended silence” hung over the “air waves” for one complete-blessed- moment-in-tme.
There needed to be a holy silence, (for “this one”) just to absorb “what-was-actually being-said.
It needed “time” to soak in. To sink in…to be taken in…
Time was necessary, to wrap your mind or your head all aound it…
Peter was pretty much confirming the “authority of Jesus” – “as seen” by “others.”
This is – what “they” thought of him…this is what “they” expected” from him. He would bring about a new age. He would usher in “the golden age.”
Something brand new was about to happen…and from the looks of things it would happen in grandiose style. Something new was on the horizon.
“They” being all those crowds who went before him and all of those crowds who traveled with him and after him.
“They” – included, those whom he had healed and touched, and reached out to, and all “those” whom he had welcomed with outstretched hands…and a warm smile and a word of hope.
“They” also numbered – all those who had heard him teach and preach and who sought after their own personal salvation.
“They” included all those who were formerly held prisoners by their very own demons and ideas.
“They” were the one’s who had faith and believed in him and in his word.
Why, even the angels in the heavens above held their communal and collective breaths…for this one moment of important and necessary time…
It was awesome, holy, sacred…set-a-part…not a flap of seraphim or even the quiet muffled laughter of the cherubim…could be heard anywhere.
This is the very heart and the middle of all that John-Mark had written. It is like something we have grown to expect, coming from the writings of John!
It sounds like something that might come stumbling forth from the book of Revelation.
But no, this is John-Mark, better known to the people of the Way, as Mark, traveling companion of Peter.
In a very real sense, up until now, Jesus has been working the small town stages and back village venues to build up his street cred’s…
His has been a perilous journey…
And…having made a HUGE name for himself (and for the 12) he is now ready to take on – and to tackle the big leagues – of both the Jewish and the Roman authority.
This is for all intents and purposes Jesus’ finest moment. Although we could also argue “that moment” took place when he was lifted up on the cross – for the entire world to see, as well!
Jesus has been given “exalted status” in heaven an on earth! And heaven itself, is taking notice.
“Status” – which no one has ever seen or witnessed beyond this moment of time…
The cross clearly resides on the other side of Mark’s gospel…as does Jerusalem and ultimately – all things Roman…
As matter of fact, some of our very own theologians and scholar’s have written that Peter had to be rebuked by Jesus.
Peter’s words, were very human…they were not just very helpful. The other side of Mark’s gospel – does not allow for much wiggle room.
Avoidance of the cross is not helpful for anyone, including all the past, present and future disciples of Jesus.
Indeed, the cross has become a necessity…and one almost gets the feeling…that in the second part of this gospel we will be swiftly carried along in the currents, perhaps even against our wills.
The currents and the under-toughs can be that strong. You can get sucked right into the waters of chaos – at almost any given time. Be watchful, be careful.
These days and times call for our trust and our faithing in – Jesus – knowing that where he is taking us, we most assuredly want to go.
Mark is about to take us all on a ride, a perilous ride. It is a ride with Jesus and it will most definitely end up in the foot hills around the Temple Mount, somewhere in Jerusalem…
And it all began with a simple enough question: But who do YOU say that I am?