Who Do You Say?

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:18-27

Gracious Creator you draw near to all

tenderly caring for all of your creation

loving the least as much as the most

the broken and weary are your beloved.

You did not choose disciples who were posh

instead you sought the workers and despised

the ones who got their hands dirty understood

that the love of God is a truly great treasure.

We are often weary, overwhelmed and tired

yet you will never despise or reject us

we may not acknowledge you in terror

yet you hold us close to your heart.

Help us to deny ourselves and follow you

let us be remolded daily for your service

may our lives reflect the love we have received

and the blessigns of being yours forever. Amen.