Mark 8:27-30

Passage

After these things Jesus and His disciples head to Caesarea Philippi.  On the way, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”  The disciples inform Jesus that some people are saying that He is John the Baptizer come again, some say that he is Elijah, and some are saying that Jesus is merely a prophet.  Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”  Peter boldly answers that Jesus is the Christ.  Jesus charges His disciples to not say anything about this confession.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The crowds just don’t know who Jesus is.  Some think this is John the Baptizer reincarnated.  Others think that Jesus is Elijah, who was said will come prior to the Messiah’s appearance on the earth.  Some people think He’s just a prophet speaking wisdom into the people around Him.  In the end, people are confused about Jesus.  We as human beings can never rationalize our understanding of Jesus.  We need more than understanding.  We need the faith that comes from being a disciple.

Why do some people not see Jesus for who He is?  Why is intellect really not necessary to be a godly person?  If intelligence is not necessary, what is necessary to be able to understand who Jesus is?

Second Thought:

Peter responds that Jesus is the Messiah.  He is the Christ.  He is the one who has come into the world to do the ultimate work of God.  He is the one who was promised from days of old.  Yet, at the time of his confession, Peter still doesn’t know what he’s saying.  Peter doesn’t really know what the Messiah has been called to accomplish on this earth.  Even still, Peter does deserve credit for understanding and confessing that Jesus is indeed God’s anointed.

Have you ever made a confession using words you really don’t understand deeply?  In a way, how is this story like every single one of our Christian walks?  Are we always saying and doing things that we truly don’t understand according to God’s plans?

Third Thought:

It always seems so strange to hear Jesus tell people to not say anything.  In the church, we are told that proclamation and evangelism is what it is all about.  Why would Jesus say this?

We’ve talked about one answer before.  Jesus knows that the more people talk about Him the less time He will have to teach His disciples because the Jewish leaders will want Him off the scene.  However, in this passage we can see another possible reason.  This time, Jesus is not just talking to a member of the crowd; He is talking to one of His own disciples.  Jesus knows if the disciples talk about Him before the time is right, their own safety could be compromised.  Here, Jesus may be giving this advice to help keep His disciples safe until after the craziness that surrounds the crucifixion has an opportunity to dwindle away.

What does it say about Jesus that He is protective over His disciples?  What do you think is the most substantial reason for Jesus’ desire to keep His disciples safe?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 8:31-33