Luke 9:18-21 NASB
[18] And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, “Who do the people say that I am?” [19] They answered and said, “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.” [20] And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” [21] But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone,

Dear God, it’s hard to really appreciate the lack of communication people had back then. People in 1860 had photographs of Abraham Lincoln so that if he had walked up to a group of people they’d have known who he was instantly. Of course, now I can search 80% of Americans and pull up a picture. But 2,000 years ago, all they had were stories and rumors. They heard about Jesus, but they weren’t sure what to make of him. But the disciples were privy to certain things that had happened with Jesus. And Peter, James, and John has actually seen more than the other nine.

I can’t imagine how impossible it was for them to process what they were seeing with any kind of perspective. Obviously, Jesus was introducing a whole new paradigm to them. I wonder how many of the rest of the 12, or even those outside of this group, had come to the same conclusion Peter had, but they just couldn’t bring themselves to say it out loud.

Father, I get really lost in my world sometimes. Speak to me and help me to hear you. Help me to boldly lean into you and fully embrace the life your leading me through. Help me to let go of myself and serve others. And help me to be willing to appear foolish in the name of truth.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen