Recognition of Christ

Recognition comes when we begin to understand, identify with, and acknowledge the truth of someone or some teaching. Recognition involves a response of some kind. Sometimes it is a negative response, or even confusion. A response can be joyful or not. During our class on Thursday we discussed our response to things like words. For instance the word "fool" can have many different connotations.

Recognition of Jesus of Nazareth also came in many ways. It can be difficut to recognize truth in something new. The people Jesus knew best didn’t understand and it was people in the “Gentile” areas who first really recognized him as one with power and authority.

On the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee were the predominantly Gentile areas of the Decapolis (meaning 10 cities) and the Tetrarchy of Philip, final son of Herod the Great. It might seem odd for a Jewish rabbi to travel into these foreign areas, but that is what Jesus did.

Northeast of the Sea of Galilee and at least two or three days brisk walk from Cana (50 miles) lies the Gentile town of Caesarea Philippi. Located at the headwaters of the Jordan, this was the capital of the Tetrarchy of Philip. Now it is just ruins (below) Once known as Paneas, Philip renamed the city in honor of himself and the Emperor. Although raised in Rome, Philip was allowed to rule the resident nomadic tribes in the area bordering Syria.

Jesus astounded the traditional among his Jewish neighbors by visiting the Gentile towns of Caesarea Philippi and Tyre (on the coast). It was near Caesarea Philippi that Jesus asked his disciples. “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:13-21) Peter’s recognition of Jesus as Messiah, Son of the Living God probably surprised him as much as the other disciples.

The eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee is not part of Judea. It is known as the Decapolis, a group of ten widely scattered towns under Roman control but separate from Judea and south of Philip’s territory. The area long ago came under Gentile rule and residents were of mixed ethnic background due to being in the path of invading forces such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, and even Alexander the Great. The residents even, to the disgust of all orthodox Jews, raised pigs to sell to the Roman troops.

When Jesus passed through the area, he healed a man of many (a legion) of demons. The Legion of demons in the man at Gaderenes (Gadera) recognized Jesus as Lord and asked to be sent into the swine. (Mark 5:1-20) The response of the people was fearful. This was no ordinary rabbi. They asked him to leave. On the plains east of the Jordan he preached and fed 5000 people (at least that is one location postulated for the Sermon on the Plain) mentioned in Luke 6:17-19. People in the Tetrarchy and in the Decapolis recognized Jesus when they saw what he did.

In the class this past week, we talked about Peter’s response to Jesus and noted that almost immediately he is reprimanded by Jesus for not understanding that Jesus must suffer and die in Jerusalem. Even when we recognize someone as important, we don’t necessarily understand their whole mission. The people of the Gaderenes also didn’t understand Jesus, but were fearful of his power.

Here are the questions we discussed this week.
Jesus asks each of us “Who do you say I am?” What answer are you willing to give?
The people were afraid of what happened to the demoniac and asked Jesus to leave. Do you think there are times when you are afraid of the changes or demands God might make if you let him?
What is your understanding of Christ’s work in your life?

Next week we will visit Samaria and Jericho, where Jesus again astonished the authorities.