Mark 8
Psalm 112
In Mark 8 we clearly see the compassion of Jesus for sinful people. His compassion moves him to feed the hungry (verse 2) and to heal the blind (verse 25). He is the compassionate King that has come in power to save His helpless people; and to save us also. It’s important, therefore, that we know who He is!
In verse 28 Jesus asks His disciples, ‘“Who do people say I am?” and they reply, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”’ They’d seen Jesus was more than just a regular bloke. He was on a par with the great prophets of the Old Testament. He’s worth thinking about!
Then Jesus asks a scorcher: ‘”But who do YOU say I am?”’ (verse 29). Now that’s a very different question to the one asked before. It doesn’t look different, but it is. Suddenly it becomes very personal! The answer tells me about YOU. That’s why this question in verse 29 is the hinge point in Mark’s Gospel. Mark is asking us: Who do you say Jesus is?
Peter answered, ‘“You are the Christ.”’ (Christ = Saviour-King) He finally had eyes to see who Jesus is! Do you?
Can you publicly confess that Jesus is both the Saviour-King and your Saviour-King and mean it? Do you live that way? What changes do you have to make to your lifestyle to bring all aspects of your world under Jesus’ rule?
We see that Jesus is worthy of our complete devotion when He predicts that He is going to die on the cross for our sins and then rise from the dead (verse 31-32). In the light of His sacrifice of Himself for us, He makes clear the absolute cost of following Him, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (verse 34-36)
Do you love Jesus like this? Is there anyone else like Him or better than Him?
Heavenly Father, please help me to obey your Son Jesus with great love and thankfulness. May your Spirit give me courage to obey Jesus and proclaim the Good News, no matter what the cost. Amen.