Luke 9:18-22 NRSVue
18Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 20Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”
21He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, 22saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
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Reflection on Luke 9:18-22
Inspiration from 2026-09-25 Daily Prayer
It must have been difficult to be a member of the group when Jesus posed thorny questions like the one mentioned today. Peter had the great quality that no matter how badly he performed at the tasks that came his way, he was never going to give up. ‘Instil in me some of that virtue’ is the prayer we could make today.
Further reflection
I answer Jesus’ question, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ every day. I take that time I need now to put it in words, expressing myself as honestly as I can, listening for Jesus’ response.
Jesus often tells the disciples not to tell others about him. A time of reflection and consideration is needed before proclamation. I ask God’s help to know where I might speak and when I might remain silent.