The apostle Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one, the Holy One of Israel sent from God. Jesus immediately tells Peter and the other disciples that he will soon suffer and die, at which point Peter takes the Lord aside and rebukes him. What a confusing confession. Jesus, you are the Christ, you are the Lord, you are in charge, as long as you can be flexible.

What was Peter expecting when he pulled Jesus aside? Had he really thought that through? What was Jesus going to say?

Oh, thank you, Peter! You’re right! I must have lost my head back there, I don’t know what I was thinking! You don’t have to die if you don’t want to. It’s your call. We can do this another way, an easier way. We can do it your way, Peter. Thank you! I am so blessed to have such a wise follower like you to help me see things more clearly. I don’t think I could be the Messiah without you!

Some churches are guilty of this confusing confession.

Jesus is Lord as long as he’s okay with us continuing to restrict women where the Bible never does.
Jesus is in charge as long he lets us keep showing favoritism to long-time members and rich people.

Is your confession confusing?

I know Jesus says turn the other cheek, but this is a different situation.
I know I’m supposed to forgive her, but she never said she was sorry.
I’ll follow Jesus as long as he looks past my sketchy behavior at work.
I’ll follow Jesus as long as he tolerates my addiction to pornography.

Following Jesus is not like watching TV. I can’t lay on the couch with the remote in my hand and change the channel every time something unpleasant or uncomfortable or demanding comes on the screen.

The Christian confession is not confusing. Jesus is Lord. Period. He is the Christ.

“If anyone would come behind me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the Gospel will save it.” ~Mark 8:34-35

Peace,

Allan