“What do you do?” As an autistic ADHD-er, Naomi’s mind raced. How to answer? Talk passionately for ten minutes about researching disability and the church? Or was this just a polite question that people ask when they don’t really want to know the answer? It was a Christian retreat, so Naomi took the risk and shared freely—but then was taken aside by another Christian and accused of being selfish for talking too long. The result? Deep sadness, prompting Naomi’s abrupt and early departure from the retreat.
Naomi pondered whether the disciple Peter had ADHD and found comfort in his relationship with Jesus. Easily distractible and impulsive, Peter was prone to blurting things out honestly, which got him into trouble at times. When Jesus talked about His impending death, Peter rebuked Him, “Never, Lord!” (Matthew 16:22). So, in turn, Jesus rebuked him, “Get behind me Satan!” (v. 23).
Yet when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (v. 15), Peter’s blunt honesty was prophetic and bold, and he declared, “You are the Messiah” (v. 16). Despite Peter’s blunders here and elsewhere, Jesus calls him to lead and blesses him: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (v. 19).
If you struggle with saying the wrong thing, or if you are neurodiverse and feel judged by others, be comforted: Jesus knows our gifts and potential. God calls and blesses us today.
By Tanya Marlow
REFLECT & PRAY
How closely can you relate to Peter and/or Naomi? What comfort do you find in this passage?
Dear Jesus, thank You for choosing Peter, who was spontaneous and prophetic, and for blessing him as a leader. Thank You for not dismissing me but seeing me truly. Amen
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The events recorded in Matthew 16:13–20 took place in Caesarea Philippi, a Greco-Roman city located in the northern part of Israel, by Mount Hermon and the Jordan River. There, Peter said to Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16), and Jesus said to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (v. 18 ). While the sheer beauty of the natural environment of this region was favorable for Jesus and the Twelve to retreat to, what the area was otherwise known for wasn’t pretty. The city had a history of pagan religious influence that included the idolatrous activities of Syrians, Greeks, and Romans. It was known for its dark, immoral worship. Here, against this ugly backdrop, Jesus affirmed His personal identity as Messiah, the God-appointed person to execute God’s purposes and to establish His church as an unstoppable force in the world despite formidable opposition.
Arthur Jackson
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