The lectionary text
today is Matthew 16: 13-20. Just seven short verses, yet this tiny passage has
been taken as foundational for Christianity over the centuries. The author of
the gospel records a conversation between Jesus and the disciples. Jesus wanted
to know what people thought of him. The disciples give a variety of answers
that they have heard, but that does not suffice. The question is subtly changed.
No longer is it who do people say I am? But
the more direct, who do you say I am?
Even before taking
a closer look at the passage I think that change of question is worthy of note. It is
not about hearsay, it is not about others’ opinions. It is about an individual’s
thought and belief. That can be quite a challenge in all aspects of life. It is
always much easier to say or think what the crowd is saying. It is much harder to
take the direct challenge of “what do I think?”.
Sometimes the
answer to that question can set one apart. It can be a difficult road to walk,
especially if one is the first person to voice that opinion. Peter certainly stepped
out. He moved from hiding behind the “everyone says” to the “I say”. In this
story, that bold step worked out, Peter’s words were received and acclaimed.
The next part of
the story is the response to Peter’s answer. The words the gospel records in the version I am reading are, “You
are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (ecclesia).” This phrase has
caused much discussion over the centuries. Various interpretations of this passage have been
offered.
I enjoy interpretation.
I like looking at how Biblical passages have been understood in history. Perhaps
the only thing I am sure of, is that I would never want to say that one
interpretation of a passage is right and another is wrong. So, the
interpretation of this passage that I offer is one that grips me. Do I think it
is the only interpretation? Absolutely no. That would be really arrogant. Each
person must think and study for themselves.
When I look at
this passage I want to view it in the context of the previous chapters. I do
not think the gospels are written as chronological documents. Of course, two of
the gospels start with a birth and end with a death — the beginning and end of human
life. Other than that, I think the authors of the gospels carefully placed the
stories to give the nuances they wanted to bring. They are telling a story that
would impact and bring hope to their audience.
I think to
understand this story, the parable at the beginning of chapter 13 should be
considered. It is the familiar story of the sower. It was a tale to say what
happens to seed sown in various locations. Some fell on rocky ground where it
was not deeply rooted so in time of trial it could fall away. This is a wordplay. The
word here translated as rocky/stony is the same word used for Peter when his
name was changed from Simon.
This description of the rocky ground so fits Peter. After the parable, is the story
of Peter walking on water (14). Peter boldly steps out but then starts to sink.
Then there is the story of the denial. Peter who has acclaimed Jesus as the
Christ in time of trial denies him.
(For a full discussion
of this interpretation see Mary Ann Tolbert, Sowing the Gospel: Mark’s World
in Literary-Historical Perspective. Fortress Press, 1996)
The reason I
like this interpretation is that it gives me hope. Peter was portrayed as very
human. Peter wasn’t perfect. Peter made mistakes . . . lots of them. Peter was
stony ground. Yet, he found a purpose and made a difference.
(Photo: Holy Island, 2015)
