“Aroo! Aroo! Aroo!”

A Series on Lent: Peter’s Journey
 (Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Mt 16:13-23

[Lent is a time of reflection. During Lent, we will be looking at Peter’s Journey to learn how his reflections on his own life, his culture, his religion and his savior changed his life forever.]

In the movie “300”, there’s a dramatic scene where the Spartans, who are heading into the Battle of Thermopylae, cross paths with the Arcadians, who are also going to battle. However, because of their small number, the Arcadians question the commitment and ability of the Spartans to defeat the Persians.

King Leonidas asks some of the Arcadians, “What is your job”. To which they timidly respond, “A potter, a blacksmith, a sculpture”. 

But when Leonidas shouts, “Spartans, what is your profession!” They resoundingly respond with a fearless war cry. “Aroo! Aroo! Aroo!”

 

(You can click on the link below to watch this brief scene.)
 "Spartans, what is your profession?"

His point is that the Spartans would follow him into battle anywhere because they were raised to be warriors; trained to fight; drilled to defend. It is in their DNA. Bottom line… they would follow Leonidas to their death.

 

Jesus had led his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi, a part of the country that was predominantly Greek. He seems to want to gauge what people think of him there; who they say he is. But really his question is directed at the disciples.

 

¹⁵ Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”            NLT

 

Peter seems to hit the nail on the head. Because of this, Jesus commends him and blesses him. He gives Peter a new identity… the rock. He gives him a vision for the future and the leading role that he will play. Jesus inspires and motivates Peter to follow him into battle.

 

The only problem is, Jesus isn’t going into battle. In fact, soon after Peter’s confession, Jesus begins to teach his disciples that he will be going to Jerusalem where he will “suffer many things, be killed and raised to life”. Because of the inspirational blessing of Jesus, Peter chastises him for such talk.

 

Apparently Peter still didn’t understand why Jesus came.

 

Every week at my church I recite the Apostles Creed saying what I believe. It’s a way of answering the question that Jesus asked his disciples; “Who do you say I am”. 

Every week I get the right answer. But I’m not so sure it’s from my heart. I’m not sure that I’m ready to follow Jesus into battle like the Spartans.

 

“Aroo! Aroo! Aroo!”

 

Copyright 2022 Joseph B Williams