Gospel in Art: Who do people say that I am?

The Sacrament of Ordination (Christ Presenting the Keys to Saint Peter), Nicolas Poussin 1640 © Kimbell Art Museum, Texas

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 20 February 2025
Mark 8:27-33

At that time: Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that I am?' And they told him, 'John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.' And he asked them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered him, 'You are the Christ.'

And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly.

And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, 'Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.'

Reflection on the painting

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus frequently asks questions, prompting reflection. The Gospels are filled with questions he poses to us, but in today's reading, we encounter one of the most fundamental: "Who do you say that I am?" This question is not just addressed to the disciples but to each of us personally. And how would we answer? It is not a question that seeks mere facts or a textbook response. No. It demands an answer from the depths of our hearts.

Peter responds with conviction: "You are the Christ." His answer is correct, yet there is so much more to Jesus than a title. Jesus is the Christ and our friend and teacher and judge and encourager, etc... Though Peter's response was perfect in words, he still had much to learn in fully grasping who Jesus was. It is fair to say that Peter only truly began to understand who Jesus was after his death and resurrection. That is when Peter grasped Christ's true identity and mission. Like Peter, we are called to continuously deepen our understanding of Christ.

Our painting today is by Nicolas Poussin, part of his celebrated series depicting the seven sacraments. This particular work illustrates the sacrament of ordination, portraying the moment Christ entrusts the keys of heaven and earth to the kneeling Peter. This act symbolises the authority bestowed upon him as the foundation of the Church: "You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church… I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:18-19). Poussin masterfully conveys emotional depth through the apostles' varied gestures and expressions, making the moment feel both solemn and significant. In the background, a group of men in discussion may allude to the philosophers of the old order, contrasting with the new order instituted by Christ. Notably, on the far right, partially shrouded in shadow, stands Judas Iscariot, foreshadowing his impending betrayal.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-8-27-33-2025/