Pentecost 13 – Who do you say I am?

Who do you say I am?

A short reflection on Exodus 1:8-2:10; Matthew 16:13-20

These readings ask us to look carefully at power. In Exodus, Pharaoh has the throne, the army, and the law on his side. Yet the future doesn’t belong to him. It begins with ordinary women: midwives, a mother, a sister, and even Pharaoh’s daughter. They choose compassion when fear is being used to justify cruelty. They protect life when the empire commands death.

Their courage is quiet, but it changes everything. Moses survives because people refuse to cooperate with injustice. God’s liberating work begins in hidden places; through people the world may not notice.

In Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” But Jesus isn’t the kind of Messiah many expected. He doesn’t rule through domination, fear, or force. He reveals God’s power through healing, service, forgiveness, and love.

Together, these readings invite us to ask what kind of power we trust. Do we follow the way of Pharaoh, where fear divides people into “us” and “them”? Or do we follow the way of Jesus, where love becomes the foundation for a new community?

God still works through ordinary people who choose courage over silence and compassion over cruelty. And Jesus still asks us, not only with our words but with our lives: “Who do you say I am?”

Quiet courage matters. Small acts of compassion can help protect God’s future.

Jesus redefines power. True leadership is found in service, mercy, and love.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here:  https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-13-23-august-2026