ODJ: Jesus among the idols
June 9, 2011
Then He asked them, “But who do you say I am?” (v.29).
READ: Mark 8:27-30
According to anthropologists, worship is found in every culture. Deep within us lies an impulse to offer ourselves to someone or something that will give us meaning, security, and identity.
The Golan Heights, a region between modern-day Israel and Syria, is an area rich in worship history. More than a dozen temples dedicated to the Old Testament fertility god Baal have been uncovered there. A nearby cave is said to be the birthplace of the Greek hunting god Pan. Herod the Great built a temple to Caesar there (from whom the earlier name Caesarea Philippi originates).
Jesus and His disciples were walking through this region one day when Jesus stopped and asked this question: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13). They gave Him the public’s best guess—that He was one of the ancient prophets returned from the dead (Mark 8:28). “But who do you say I am?” Jesus probed. “You are the Messiah,” Peter replied (v.29), “the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). What a significant place for the identity of Jesus to be revealed! As the words echoed off the pagan altars around them, the disciples knew that here stood One greater than Baal, Pan, or Caesar.
Most people today don’t worship emperors. But the worship of physical idols continues as well as our veneration of movie stars, professional athletes, and high-achieving colleagues, or through our worship of work, physical exercise, hobbies, or romantic partners.
Jesus walks among our modern idols and altars and calls for our sole allegiance. Will we bow? —Sheridan Voysey
Which idol do you wrestle with, and why is it so attractive to you? How will you give up your idol for Jesus?
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