A Series on the Milestones
in Jesus’ Life
Mark 8:27-37
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
“Who do
people say I am?”
When
I asked this question of my daughter, her response was…
Joe, Dad, Grandpa and a
Michigan State fan. All of these are true. You could probably also add insurance
agent, Christian and a nice guy. Jesus casually posed this same question to his
disciples as they were walking to a village.
28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah;
and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about
you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” NIV
I’m
not sure that Jesus really cared what other people thought about him. However,
he most certainly cared what those closest to him thought. And although Peter
had the right answer, he had the wrong expectations. Jesus explained that the
“Son of Man” must suffer, be rejected and killed; but would rise again.
32 As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took
him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. NLT
Peter’s
expectations of the Messiah didn’t match up with what Jesus told them. But
Jesus needed to make sure that his disciples understood; not only who he was,
but also what that meant for him, as well as them. He had to reeducate them to
prepare them for the future.
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and
said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their
cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life
will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save
it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet
forfeit their soul? NIV
37 Is anything worth more than your soul? NLT
The
series of events in this passage, were a turning point in Jesus’ life and
ministry; a milestone if you will. From this point forward, he headed to
Jerusalem. This was his purpose; his destiny.
What
turning point are you facing in your life? What is your purpose; your destiny?
How have you answered Jesus’ two life changing questions: “Who do you say that I am” and
“Is anything more important than your soul”?
As
a follower of Jesus, your answer to those two questions are critical. They
shape how you live your life; how you make decisions; what your priorities are.
They are the turning point of your life.
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