Ray Stevens performs a song that, in popular language, deals with the essential question of the nature of Christ. The song is titled: "Did Jesus Wear a Rolex on His Television Show?"

Chet Atkins and Margaret Archer wrote the record before the troubles of PTL leader Jim Bakker began. Here are some of the words: "Would Jesus have a second home in Palm Springs but try to hide its worth? Would He drive a fancy car? Would His wife wear furs and diamonds? Would His dressing room have a star? Would Jesus wear a Rolex on His television show?"

For an answer to this question, we turn to Matthew's Gospel. Jesus asks the disciples the question of His identity on the road to Caesarea Philippi: "Who do men say that I am?"

It's not surprising that the brash and blustering Peter comes up with the answer. "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." The others murmur their approval; maybe they even said "Amen."

Jesus gave Peter an "A" on his report card: "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."

Immediately following this story, Matthew inserts the passages that form today's text. The two stories hold together and form one unity. In the first story, Jesus affirms the disciples, saying to them that He is the Christ. The second story refines what Messiah means.

Peter now must face the fact that he flunked the second part of the lesson. Jesus starts to patiently teach what Messiahship means to Him. The historic Jewish understanding of Messiah was a heroic ruler who would come with military might and drive the hated Romans into the sea. He would be the defeater of the oppressor ... the political solution to the problem of enemy occupation ... might and power and guns and warheads Messiah, riding in a tank or a fighter plane ... a royal Rambo.

This was the popular understanding. It is certainly what the disciples thought of when Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, but it is decidedly not what Jesus had in mind. "I know you think being a Messiah is a good deal: big throne, lots of power, victories and such. That's not what I'm about -- not what I believe "my-Father-who-sent-me" would have me do. I know you'll find this impossible to believe, but it's true: I must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the priests and scribes; I will be killed and on the third day be raised."

Peter blurted out, "God forbid! That shall never happen to you." Then comes the strongest rebuke that Jesus ever spoke to anyone. The words stung because Jesus saw a malevolent force working within Peter: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God but of men."

Then come the teachings about the Christian life: what it means to be a follower of Christ. Nothing here in Jesus' essential teachings was about prosperity, the popular gospel that is proclaimed by many popular TV evangelists.

You know the line: "You just give to the Lord, and He will bless you and bless you and bless you -- you can have a split level house, a BMW, and be a millionaire by the time you're 30 (and please write a check to keep us on television; and another check to support our million-dollar salary, six homes, gold-plated bathroom fixtures, and air-conditioned dog house).