The M Word

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” – Matthew 16:16 (NRSV) 

Titles are complicated. Sometimes they help reclaim withheld dignity. Sometimes they become ego traps. Sometimes they put a target on your back. 

Jesus seemed to understand both the power and the peril of titles. Rome didn’t care much about preaching love or healing lepers until people started whispering “messiah” or “king.” Then Rome sharpened its nails for another crucifixion. 

So Jesus was careful. He rarely claimed the title directly. He let others say it. Such as the time he and his disciples were hiking around Caesarea Philippi and he asked, “Who do people say that I am?” 

They tossed out the usual guesses: John the Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets. Then Peter: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!” 

Jesus didn’t correct him or say, “Actually, Peter, let’s not use the M-word.” Nor did he say, “Right. Now confess me as your personal Lord and Savior!” Instead, he blessed Peter. 

And “Son of God” was not a claim about divine genetics. It was royal language. Israel’s kings were given that title because they were meant to bear God’s justice and authority. When Peter called Jesus “Messiah” and “Son of the Living God,” he was saying: You are the true king. 

Jesus accepted it without vanity and went right back to healing, teaching, and shaking things up. 

Which means our job is not focusing on titles but following his way: truth over spectacle, mercy over dominance, courage over fear, and the holy work of shaking things up. 

Prayer
Help me confess the M-word with my life, not just my lips.

About the Author
Matt Laney is co-Pastor of Virginia Highland Church UCC in Atlanta, GA and the author of Pride Wars, a fantasy series published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers. The first two books, The Spinner Prince and The Four Guardians are available now.