“If Jesus were to ask you the same question, ‘Who do you say I am?’ you’d likely get it right, for the most part. But are you, like Peter, missing the whole picture of who the Messiah is? Is it possible that you’re missing part of his agenda and that what you’re missing might put you at odds with where Jesus wants to take you?”- Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe.”- John 10:24-25 (NIV)
As Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore move on in Chapter 3 of The Missing Messiah, they complete their discussion of the fourth passage the New Testament uses to form a portrait of the Messiah. Then they proceed to the fifth passage.
4. Christ revealed to the apostles (cont.). In the place where Jeroboam installed the golden calf, Jesus solicited public opinion to spark the conversation. Thus, Jesus asked who people said the Son of Man is.
While the responses varied, they all centered on human prophets like John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Prophets persecuted for speaking the truth to power. Hence, a transparent trajectory also existed for Jesus’ ministry. But the Twelve found the concept of a suffering Messiah elusive.
5. Christ revealed to the public. When Jesus showed up in Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, he found some cover from the chill in Solomon’s Colonnade. But none from the curious crowd that plied Him with questions (see John 10: 24-25). Because Jesus often gave people cryptic responses in regard to His messianic claims.
Meanwhile, the people rejected every bread crumb Jesus offered. In addition, several months earlier, in the same Temple, crowds argued that no one knew where the Messiah was from.
Today’s question: When in your life have you found yourself missing the whole picture? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Jesus’ messianic claims in action”