Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

the Rev. Dr. Mark Richardson

The sermon continues the previous week’s Gospel lesson, in which Peter

boldly identified Jesus as the Messiah. The preacher approaches Peter

sympathetically, seeing him as a stand-in for all of us: sincere in his

faith, courageous enough to make a great declaration, yet not fully aware

of what that declaration will demand. Like Peter stepping onto the water,

he understands enough to take the first step, but fear and incomplete

understanding soon reveal his limits.

Immediately after Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah, Jesus begins

explaining what his messiahship actually means. He will go to Jerusalem,

suffer at the hands of the authorities, and ultimately be killed. Peter

cannot accept this. His response is not a gentle disagreement; he rebukes