In between the man who couldn’t hear and the man who couldn’t see, Jesus taught for three days and then fed 4000 people.

In between, a group of Pharisees came asking for proof that God was authorizing all this. Jesus refused.

In between, Jesus warned his followers to not become like the Pharisees and Herod, scolded them a bit and then walked them through the stories that showed he could provide bread for them.

He finished with a question: “Do you still not understand?” Then Jesus provides and Mark reports the multi-stage healing of a man who couldn’t see.

As Jesus and the disciples were walking to Caesarea Philippi, to a center of Roman influence, Jesus said, “Who do people say that I am?” Jesus invites them to reflect on what they’ve heard as they’ve been listening to the conversations in the crowds. Then Jesus turns to them and says, “What about you? Who do you say I am?”

He’s not wondering who he is. He’s deeply assured of his identity. But in a mid-term clarifying conversation, he gives them a chance show whether they are beginning to understand, whether the pieces are starting to click.

“You are the one anointed by God,” Peter says. It’s been translated the Christ. Or the Messiah.

In the next couple sentences, Jesus will start talking about how he will suffer and be rejected by all the religious people and will die and will rise again. In the middle of the evidences of Roman power, he won’t overturn it. In the face of religious power, he’ll surrender to it. And He’ll be killed by it.

As I’m reflecting on these stories from Mark, I’m thinking Jesus’ question is still there. “Who do you say that I am?”

I want to understand. Our answer will undergird our actions.