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Mark 8:27-30
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

To ponder
One day, a close friend said to me, “No one can beat you being you. You have something unique to offer in your preaching and ministry that no one else can give. The people who come to hear you preach come because they want to hear you and what you have to share, the way you share it.” - Cynthia L. Hale, in More Power In the Pulpit

I love to tell the story
Don’t turn this conversation between Jesus and Peter into a nondisclosure agreement. The drama and tensions that fill the scriptures are intended to help us understand Jesus and his disciples in a variety of ways. In the gospels Peter is a leader whose actions don’t always match his bold words. In the book of Acts he becomes a strong witness to Christ.

Who do you say that Jesus is? Even without speaking a word, you reveal your answer to this question, in ways that are unique to you. You communicate Jesus’ message of grace, redeeming love, healing, justice, and peace by what you do as well as by what you say. Rejoice in knowing that God has entrusted the gospel to you - and to me.

Prayer
Giver of good news, thank you for the unique ways you equip me to tell the story of Jesus and his love. Thanks be to God. Amen.

(from: “A Story to Tell: Devotions for Lent” Bekki Lohrmann, Harvard Stephens Jr., Lydia Posselt, David L. Miller; Augsburg Fortress, 2020)