Who Do You Say I Am?

Sure, all these miracles are okay.
But from God you descended, how do we say?
How godless and evil, you people who ridicule!
A miracle is always an act of compassion, not a spectacle minuscule! 
The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of Jonah.
Not approval from heaven, of me or my persona!

Guard yourselves then, from the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
My disciples you are, so you will understand these mysteries with ease.
Once the Holy Spirit descends upon you, all of my parables you will see right through.
Is this the extent of your faith?
After I broke bread, fed 5000, then 4000 ...you still sit here and debate.
God only desires your heart,
not all these man-made laws that actually keep us apart.

Who do people say is the Son of Man?
Let me ask you this question, if I can?
John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah.
They think of these, but not the Messiah.
But what about you, who do you say I am?
You are the son of the living God, the great - I Am!
Well said Simon, this Revelation cannot be your own.
Unless from God, this truth to you revealed and shown.
I tell you Peter, you are a rock.
Upon your foundation, will build my church -my flock.
I give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Not even death or hades will overcome it, I reckon.
What you bind on earth shall stay bound in heaven.
And what you release on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.

I must endure great suffering.
I know that you are shocked and wondering.
But in three days I will resurrect.
With it, I will conquer sin and death.
I forbid it Lord; that can never happen to you.
Peter this is not you, if only you knew!
If you wish to be my disciple,
take up your cross and follow my principle.
Whosoever loves his life will only lose it.
What gain is it if you conquer the world but are sent into the pitt?

Six days later, with Simon-Peter, James and John.
Up on a mountain, alone after dawn.
Jesus transfigured; His clothes became dazzling white.
And his face began shining like the sun, so bright.
Then Moses and Elijah, the prophets from before,
spoke to Jesus, overwhelming the disciples all the more.
Then a voice they heard from a glistening cloud.
This is my only dear son whom I am pleased about.
Terrified by the voice of God.
They hid their face in one accord.
Listen to Him, the voice did say.
And Jesus then helped them up while they were still frail.
Confused, they asked Jesus: why is it that Elijah has to come first?
Indeed, the teachers and the scribes - they are right. But he did come and they treated him cursed.
Just like the Son of Man will suffer at their plight.
John the Baptist made the way - the Elijah of today.

Harken, now remember - I must endure great suffering.
I know that you are shocked and wondering.
But in three days I will resurrect.
With it, I will conquer sin and death.

- RUELHA 
(inspired by Matthew 16 and 17)

This poem is part of a series of rhymes titled ‘The Matthew Series’. This is the 16th poem in the series. They are all based on the gospel of Matthew and are in the correct sequence.