S. Peter’s Confession of Jesus as the Christ (9:18-27)

This incident is located by Matthew and Mark near Caesarea Philippi, north of Galilee (Mt 16:13; Mk 8:27). It marked an important development in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Speaking for his colleagues, Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah. In accordance with his policy, Jesus told them to keep the matter a secret. He did not even speak of himself as Messiah, but chose instead to predict his death and resurrection. Characteristically, Luke shows Jesus at prayer on this occasion.

Sayings follow about discipleship (vv.23-27). The denial of the self Jesus commended is the removal of self from the center of ambition and the setting of him in that place. It involves taking up the cross and following him on the road of sacrifice and suffering. Only through the refusal to rely on earthly security is salvation attainable. Anyone who is ashamed of him will be accountable at the Last Day.

Jesus' promise that some of the onlookers will see the kingdom before their death is ambiguous. If it refers to his final coming, then in fact the onlookers died before that event. But the prophecy may have been fulfilled by Jesus' transfiguration, his resurrection, or the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost.