“Who Do You Say I Am?”

Imagine what it would feel like if Jesus invited you to journey with him into the darkest worship center you’d ever heard about—a place stained with blood and pungent with death. Temples and idols made to honor many gods surround you when you arrive. That was Caesarea Philippi in Jesus’ day, and that’s where he took his friends.

Centuries prior, the northeastern area of Israel (Caesarea Phillippi’s location) had been a hub for Israelites worshiping Ba’al, the Canaanite fertility god. Neighboring nations eventually conquered this region and claimed Caesarea Philippi’s canyon-like space for worshiping gods like Zeus, Nemesis, and Pan (among others). Many believed a large cave in the cliff there was Pan’s birthplace, which may be one reason Jesus refers to the “gates of hades” in this specific location.

So why take his disciples out of Israel and into such an unclean, unholy place?

On one hand, he appears to be challenging them, as if he’s saying, “Don’t be afraid of your neighbors or even your enemies. These Gentiles are human beings, also forgiven and loved by God.” Jesus seems to trust that the power of God’s love and light will prevail against any “gates of hell.” He wants his followers to experience the way God’s love drives out all fear.

But we should also consider that Jesus isn’t raising questions about his identity in an average, ordinary place. He’s going to the place where many deities receive honor, each inviting worshipers to trust them. Jesus is saying, “You’ve got choices. What will your choice be? Who do you say I am?”

“You’re the Christ [the Messiah]!” Simon rightly answers. And Jesus commends him for believing this truth. But then Jesus immediately says, “Shhh! Don’t tell anyone!” Why would he say this?

By Jesus’ time, the title “Messiah” had become coupled with the idea of a warrior king who would condemn and destroy Israel’s enemies. Jesus hushes his followers because while they get his title of Messiah correct, he knows they have yet to learn that the true Messiah fights evil with love and forgiveness, with healing and generosity, and never through killing or harming people.

Reflection Questions

• Most Jewish people, including Jesus’ disciples, were expecting a messiah who would destroy their enemies and “unholy” neighbors. Have you also been given the impression that God will come to rescue his creation by killing off bad people? What new questions arise for you when you consider that Jesus (who is also God) refuses to kill or even harm enemies in order to save humanity?
• When you see Jesus (in this Chosen clip) calling this actual, geographic location the “gates of hades/hell,” what thoughts or questions arise for you? How might Jesus' followers become expressions of healing love and light in dark places, rather than operating out of fear?
• Who do you say Jesus is? (This might be the most important question a person can answer.)