God’s Guiding Word: Discipleship
Introduction
Mark 8:27—9:1: Jesus questions his disciples about his identity, and Peter declares him to be the Messiah. In speaking to the disciples about his identity and mission, Jesus speaks for the first time about his forthcoming suffering and death and teaches them about discipleship and what being his follower entails.
Scripture Reading
27 Then Jesus and his disciples went away to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Tell me, who do people say I am?”
28 “Some say that you are John the Baptist,” they answered; “others say that you are Elijah, while others say that you are one of the prophets.”
29 “What about you?” he asked them. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
30 Then Jesus ordered them, “Do not tell anyone about me.”
31 Then Jesus began to teach his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. He will be put to death, but three days later he will rise to life.” 32 He made this very clear to them. So Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But Jesus turned around, looked at his disciples, and rebuked Peter. “Get away from me, Satan,” he said. “Your thoughts don’t come from God but from human nature!”
34 Then Jesus called the crowd and his disciples to him. “If any of you want to come with me,” he told them, “you must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me. 35 For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for me and for the gospel, you will save it. 36 Do you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not! 37 There is nothing you can give to regain your life. 38 If you are ashamed of me and of my teaching in this godless and wicked day, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
9 And he went on to say, “I tell you, there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Kingdom of God come with power.”
Today’s Key Verse: Mark 8:29b
[Jesus asked the disciples:] “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Reflect
The word “Messiah” comes from a Hebrew word that means “the chosen one” or “anointed one.” The Greek word for Messiah is “Christos” (Christ). When Peter called Jesus the Messiah, he was declaring that Jesus is God’s chosen one. How would you answer Jesus’s question, “Who do you say I am?” When Jesus speaks of his suffering and death, he is rebuked by Peter. Many who were waiting for God’s promised Messiah were hoping for a military hero who would defeat their Roman oppressors. What does Peter’s rebuke indicate about his understanding of Jesus as Messiah? Why does Jesus then rebuke Peter?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I boldly confess that you are the Messiah, God’s Anointed One, the promised Savior who has come into the world. You suffered and died on a cross for my sake but rose again so that I might have eternal life and dwell with you in glory. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Mark 9:2–29: Three disciples witness Jesus’s Transfiguration, and Jesus heals a boy with an evil spirit.