Confession causes movement

NORSK
Peter’s journey up to Jerusalem began close to Caesarea Philippi. I will not spend time to reflect on why the start happened just there, but I do not think it was accidental. For although the geographical journey was necessary, it was Peters spiritual journey that took off from that place.

Peter had followed Jesus for some time. He was a faithful disciple, but had he grasped what the journey was all about? Only God knows.
Jesus had asked the disciples a couple of important questions:

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

And the disciples gave report on what people thought about Jesus.
I think there were at least two reasons why Jesus asked this question:

1. He wanted to know whether the disciples were aware of what the people around them had on their minds. I think he has the same concerns with regard to his disciples today too.
2. He wanted to know whether or not the disciples were affected by the public opinion about Jesus, or whether or not they were able to stand up for what they believed. I think he has the same concerns with regard to his disciples today too.

Because his next question was:

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (1)

Peter was the first to respond. Although I am aware that he was very impulsive and often acted before he thought, but he made a confession which had enormous consequences, and I do not think that it came easy. Firstly, it started off his own journey to Jerusalem, but it also seems as though he gave Jesus the signal: ‘Now you can start your journey too!’

I will return to Peter’s confession tomorrow, but today I declare that confession causes movement. If it does not create movement, there is a risk that profession only empty phrases.

Today 'manna'

Confession causes movement

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(1) The Bible passage:

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Matt 16:13-15