As we continue our exploration of the life of Simon Peter, we'll dive into a troubling exchange between Jesus and his fledgling disciple. This interaction is complex and may mean something different than what you've probably been taught. It has to do with power and identity, with the essence and nature of God's reign, with what it means to be a disciple of another.
This passage includes several troubling verses (Jesus calls Peter 'Satan') and calls for some vigorous biblical theology. So, I invite you to come ready to dive in, to learn, and to be challenged by this pivotal encounter between Jesus and "the rock" on which he built his church.
In addition to reading the passage itself, perhaps you can ponder these words from Luke Powery, Dean of Duke University's Chapel:
"Names are significant. They mean something; they are identifying markers. If you don't know someone's name, you won't ever be able to call on them or to them. People have a first name and a last name. Some people change their birth names for various reasons; this wouldn't happen if names weren't significant and didn't matter. But they do matter. Names say something about who we are.
The politics of naming is important. What you are called and who gets to name you -- these things set your place in the world and sometimes set you apart. Throughout history, we have seen names for racial and ethnic groups change. Those we call "African American" today were once called "Negro" and "colored" and "black." But who made these changes? Who had the power to do so? And do individuals have the power to name themselves in this way?
A name will always say something about who we are, whether it be racially, sexually, denominationally, or otherwise. Christians with mixed denominational influences might call themselves "Bapticostal." Their denominational identity is more complex, more beautiful, than just one totalizing name; it does not fit traditional categories. From the outside, people may see a simpler identity -- or just a wrong one. But what is key is that individuals -- under the watchful gaze of political powers -- assume the power to name themselves. Their identity is their own, and they can make it public when and to whom they choose."
We'll explore this and other dimensions of Jesus' powerful exchange with Simon Peter this weekend. And,
as has become our happy custom, we'll also celebrate baptisms, great music and many other endeavors that will make for a rich weekend.
Come, and bring a friend.
