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In Matthew 16, there is a lot of speculation about who Jesus is. Prophet? Ghost, back from the dead? An important religious figure? Crazy? When Jesus puts the question to the disciples in verse 15, Simon Peter responds, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Well done Peter! Bravo! 5 stars, you got it!
In the vulnerability of Peter’s answer, we also find the meaning of our worship services. Going to church is fundamentally about encountering Jesus, learning who he is, and being empowered to go and serve in God’s world. Here are some of the ways this happens. In worship, Jesus…
… meets us in the people gathered for worship and calls to be united in his love.
… meets us in the waters of baptism, drowning our sins and claiming us as God’s children.
… invites us to tell the truth and the ways we have sinned against God and each other.
… responds to our confession with deep and eternal forgiveness.
… is the saving, calling, redeeming Word encountered through scripture reading, preaching, and song.
… invites us to share what God has given us through our offering.
… feeds us with his own body.
… blesses us, gives us peace, and sends us forth to serve God’s world.
All of this is why we go to church. All of this is about Jesus. All of this gives us the courage to answer Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?”
Church might not look the same these days. Some of us still participate online at home. But all of this still holds true. Having experienced Jesus is worship, may we be so bold as to reply: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Amen.
Peace to you all,
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