Now Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Messiah.” 30 Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31 He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. 32 He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
As Jesus continued his itinerant ministry, he set out for Caesarea Philippi, a place primarily known for its extensive pagan worship, adorned with numerous temples and deities. This city, situated approximately 40 miles from Bethsaida, a predominantly Jewish city, presented a striking contrast in cultural and religious practices. While en route, Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Their reply, naming John the Baptist, Elijah, and other prophets, reflected contemporary Jewish expectations about the Messiah (Mk. 6:14-16). According to Jewish beliefs, significant prophetic figures, especially Elijah, were expected to return and precede the arrival of the Messiah, ushering in a new era of God's kingdom. Jesus directly asked his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter’s declaration that Jesus was the Messiah marked the first explicit acknowledgment of Jesus' Messianic role by a disciple.
It represents a deepening understanding among the disciples of Jesus' true identity. Jesus warned them not to tell anyone what was just revealed about him – Mark’s Messianic Secret. Throughout the Gospel of Mark, Jesus repeatedly instructs his disciples and others to keep his identity as the Messiah secret. Messianic expectations, which varied among different Jewish groups, ranged from a political and military leader who would overthrow Roman rule and restore the kingdom of Israel, to a spiritual renewer who would restore the Temple, uphold divine law, and inaugurate an era of peace and righteousness. The concept of the Messiah as a suffering servant differed significantly from these expectations (Is. 53:5; 1 Pet. 22:4).
Jesus began to reveal the true nature of his mission in Mark 8:31-33, emphasizing suffering, rejection, and resurrection. He used the title 'Son of Man,' a reference from Daniel 7:13-14, to indicate his role as a heavenly figure destined for everlasting dominion. There are prophetic references to Jesus rising in three days (Hos. 6:2; Jon. 2:1). The disciples, who still lacked understanding about Jesus’ true mission, would have been shocked to hear that the Messiah would be killed. Unlike when he taught in parables, Jesus spoke plainly about his impending death and resurrection so the disciples would understand. Despite witnessing Jesus’ miraculous powers on many occasions, Peter, who just confessed Jesus as the Messiah, objected strenuously to what Jesus revealed. He still adhered to the traditional view of the Messiah as a political liberator. Jesus harshly rebuked Peter, referring to him as “Satan” underscoring the error in Peter’s thinking; he was going against God’s will. Disciples must be transformed to rise beyond human thinking, understand God’s will, and act in accordance with it. A central theme of the Gospel is that true discipleship involves a radical reorientation of one’s understanding and expectations.
Heavenly Father, teach us to embrace the true path of discipleship as Jesus explained in the Gospels and help us to understand the depth of his sacrifice. Guide us away from worldly expectations and lead us toward a fuller embrace of your divine will. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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