Journey to the Cross
Journey to the Cross • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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“The Road Begins: Christ’s Resolve and Reign”
“The Road Begins: Christ’s Resolve and Reign”
Scripture: Mark 8:31-38 (LSB)
Scripture: Mark 8:31-38 (LSB)
Theme: Christ, the covenant Son, embarks on his foreordained path to the cross, revealing his glory through suffering and summoning his people into his triumph.
Theme: Christ, the covenant Son, embarks on his foreordained path to the cross, revealing his glory through suffering and summoning his people into his triumph.
Goal: Exalt Christ’s purposeful obedience and sovereign authority, expounding the text to display his work as the foundation of our salvation.
Goal: Exalt Christ’s purposeful obedience and sovereign authority, expounding the text to display his work as the foundation of our salvation.
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
Opening: “The cross is not a surprise; it is the cornerstone of God’s eternal purpose. In Mark 8, Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, announces his mission—suffering, death, and resurrection. This is no mere tragedy; it is his triumph as King.”
Opening: “The cross is not a surprise; it is the cornerstone of God’s eternal purpose. In Mark 8, Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, announces his mission—suffering, death, and resurrection. This is no mere tragedy; it is his triumph as King.”
Purpose: “As we begin Lent, our gaze must not drift inward but fix on Christ, the mediator of the covenant of grace, whose resolve unveils the Father’s redemptive will.”
Purpose: “As we begin Lent, our gaze must not drift inward but fix on Christ, the mediator of the covenant of grace, whose resolve unveils the Father’s redemptive will.”
Text Intro: “Let’s hear Mark 8:31-38 from the Legacy Standard Bible—words that confounded the disciples but proclaim the glory of our Lord.”
Text Intro: “Let’s hear Mark 8:31-38 from the Legacy Standard Bible—words that confounded the disciples but proclaim the glory of our Lord.”
2. Expositional Walkthrough of Mark 8:31-38 (LSB) (25-30 minutes)
2. Expositional Walkthrough of Mark 8:31-38 (LSB) (25-30 minutes)
A. Verse 31: Christ’s Sovereign Announcement**
A. Verse 31: Christ’s Sovereign Announcement**
Text (LSB): “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).
Text (LSB): “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).
Exegesis: “Began to teach”—This marks a shift in Jesus’ ministry, where he unveils the divine necessity (“must”) of his suffering. This isn’t a random event but the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. “Yet it was the will of Yahweh to crush Him, causing Him to suffer; if You would place His soul as a guilt offering, He will see His seed, He will prolong His days, and the will of Yahweh will succeed in His hand” (Isaiah 53:10, LSB). The “must” here reflects the Father’s sovereign decree—Christ’s suffering is no accident but the appointed means of atonement, ensuring the success of God’s redemptive purpose.
Exegesis: “Began to teach”—This marks a shift in Jesus’ ministry, where he unveils the divine necessity (“must”) of his suffering. This isn’t a random event but the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. “Yet it was the will of Yahweh to crush Him, causing Him to suffer; if You would place His soul as a guilt offering, He will see His seed, He will prolong His days, and the will of Yahweh will succeed in His hand” (Isaiah 53:10, LSB). The “must” here reflects the Father’s sovereign decree—Christ’s suffering is no accident but the appointed means of atonement, ensuring the success of God’s redemptive purpose.
“Son of Man”—Jesus claims a title of dominion: “I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom” (Daniel 7:13-14, LSB). Yet he pairs it with rejection: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone” (Psalm 118:22, LSB). “This is stunning—Daniel’s exalted Son of Man is the same one Psalm 118 says is despised. Jesus reveals that his kingdom comes not through human acclaim but through the cross, where rejection becomes the foundation of his rule.”
“Son of Man”—Jesus claims a title of dominion: “I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom” (Daniel 7:13-14, LSB). Yet he pairs it with rejection: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone” (Psalm 118:22, LSB). “This is stunning—Daniel’s exalted Son of Man is the same one Psalm 118 says is despised. Jesus reveals that his kingdom comes not through human acclaim but through the cross, where rejection becomes the foundation of his rule.”
“After three days rise again”—His resurrection is no mere hope but proof of his victory: “who was designated as the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:4, LSB). “Paul in Romans ties the resurrection directly to Christ’s authority—his rising isn’t just survival but the declaration of his lordship. What seemed like defeat in death becomes the triumph of God’s covenant promise.”
“After three days rise again”—His resurrection is no mere hope but proof of his victory: “who was designated as the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:4, LSB). “Paul in Romans ties the resurrection directly to Christ’s authority—his rising isn’t just survival but the declaration of his lordship. What seemed like defeat in death becomes the triumph of God’s covenant promise.”
Christ Exalted: “Jesus is no helpless figure; he is the obedient Son, executing God’s plan with unwavering resolve. His suffering is his glory, his death the defeat of sin.”
Christ Exalted: “Jesus is no helpless figure; he is the obedient Son, executing God’s plan with unwavering resolve. His suffering is his glory, his death the defeat of sin.”
Modern Echo: “Like a general declaring victory before the battle, Christ’s certainty rests in his divine power, not human odds.”
Modern Echo: “Like a general declaring victory before the battle, Christ’s certainty rests in his divine power, not human odds.”
“Christ’s announcement sets the stage—his path is clear, his purpose unshakable. But this divine resolve clashes with human understanding. The disciples, especially Peter, can’t grasp it yet. Let’s see how Jesus confronts this resistance, showing that his way redefines glory itself.”
“Christ’s announcement sets the stage—his path is clear, his purpose unshakable. But this divine resolve clashes with human understanding. The disciples, especially Peter, can’t grasp it yet. Let’s see how Jesus confronts this resistance, showing that his way redefines glory itself.”
B. Verses 32-33: Christ’s Rebuke of Human Wisdom**
B. Verses 32-33: Christ’s Rebuke of Human Wisdom**
Text (LSB): “And He was stating the matter openly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but the things of men’” (Mark 8:32-33).
Text (LSB): “And He was stating the matter openly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but the things of men’” (Mark 8:32-33).
Exegesis: “Openly”—Jesus hides nothing; his transparency exposes Peter’s error. Peter’s rebuke reflects a fallen instinct—glory without suffering. This mirrors Satan’s temptation in the wilderness: “And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only”’” (Matthew 4:10, LSB). “Peter’s objection isn’t new—it echoes the oldest lie. In the Garden, Satan tempted Eve with glory apart from God’s way: ‘For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’ (Genesis 3:5, LSB). The serpent promised divinity without submission, power without pain. Peter, in rebuking Jesus, buys the same deception—Messiahship should mean immediate triumph, not a cross. Jesus names it for what it is: satanic.”
Exegesis: “Openly”—Jesus hides nothing; his transparency exposes Peter’s error. Peter’s rebuke reflects a fallen instinct—glory without suffering. This mirrors Satan’s temptation in the wilderness: “And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only”’” (Matthew 4:10, LSB). “Peter’s objection isn’t new—it echoes the oldest lie. In the Garden, Satan tempted Eve with glory apart from God’s way: ‘For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’ (Genesis 3:5, LSB). The serpent promised divinity without submission, power without pain. Peter, in rebuking Jesus, buys the same deception—Messiahship should mean immediate triumph, not a cross. Jesus names it for what it is: satanic.”
“Get behind Me, Satan!”—This isn’t mere frustration; it’s a theological verdict. Peter’s vision of a suffering-free kingship opposes God’s redemptive plan. “Think of what’s at stake here. Satan’s strategy, from Eden to this moment, is to sever glory from suffering, to offer a crown without a curse. In Genesis, the lure was ‘be like God’—exaltation without obedience. Peter imagines a Messiah who skips the cross for the throne, but Jesus sees through it. His sharp rebuke—‘Get behind Me, Satan!’—rejects this ancient falsehood. The cross isn’t a detour; it’s the road to glory, the only road that undoes the Fall. Peter’s human wisdom is exposed as an echo of the serpent’s voice, and Christ will have none of it.”
“Get behind Me, Satan!”—This isn’t mere frustration; it’s a theological verdict. Peter’s vision of a suffering-free kingship opposes God’s redemptive plan. “Think of what’s at stake here. Satan’s strategy, from Eden to this moment, is to sever glory from suffering, to offer a crown without a curse. In Genesis, the lure was ‘be like God’—exaltation without obedience. Peter imagines a Messiah who skips the cross for the throne, but Jesus sees through it. His sharp rebuke—‘Get behind Me, Satan!’—rejects this ancient falsehood. The cross isn’t a detour; it’s the road to glory, the only road that undoes the Fall. Peter’s human wisdom is exposed as an echo of the serpent’s voice, and Christ will have none of it.”
“Things of God”—The cross is divine wisdom: “but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24, LSB). “Paul nails it—the cross offends because it flips the script. What Peter resists as shameful, God ordains as power. Jesus isn’t just correcting a disciple; he’s crushing the satanic delusion that glory can bypass suffering. His way, the Father’s way, prevails.”
“Things of God”—The cross is divine wisdom: “but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24, LSB). “Paul nails it—the cross offends because it flips the script. What Peter resists as shameful, God ordains as power. Jesus isn’t just correcting a disciple; he’s crushing the satanic delusion that glory can bypass suffering. His way, the Father’s way, prevails.”
Christ Exalted: “Jesus stands resolute, aligned with the Father’s purpose, shattering earthly delusions of glory. His lordship brooks no rival.”
Christ Exalted: “Jesus stands resolute, aligned with the Father’s purpose, shattering earthly delusions of glory. His lordship brooks no rival.”
Modern Echo: “Our world chases triumph without trial—think of prosperity preaching—but Christ’s cross exposes such folly.”
Modern Echo: “Our world chases triumph without trial—think of prosperity preaching—but Christ’s cross exposes such folly.”
“Having silenced human wisdom, Jesus doesn’t stop with his own path. He turns to the crowd and his disciples, broadening the scope. The cross isn’t just his burden—it’s the shape of his kingdom, the call of his people. Let’s hear how he draws us into his triumph.”
“Having silenced human wisdom, Jesus doesn’t stop with his own path. He turns to the crowd and his disciples, broadening the scope. The cross isn’t just his burden—it’s the shape of his kingdom, the call of his people. Let’s hear how he draws us into his triumph.”
C. Verses 34-38: Christ’s Call to His Covenant People**
C. Verses 34-38: Christ’s Call to His Covenant People**
Text (LSB): “And calling the crowd to Him with His disciples, He said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels’” (Mark 8:34-38).
Text (LSB): “And calling the crowd to Him with His disciples, He said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels’” (Mark 8:34-38).
Exegesis: “Deny himself… take up his cross”—This is the covenant mark of discipleship, not an option. We share his death: “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, LSB). “Paul’s words in Galatians show this isn’t self-effort but union with Christ—his cross becomes ours because he first bore it for us. This is no call to earn salvation but to live out his finished work.”
Exegesis: “Deny himself… take up his cross”—This is the covenant mark of discipleship, not an option. We share his death: “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, LSB). “Paul’s words in Galatians show this isn’t self-effort but union with Christ—his cross becomes ours because he first bore it for us. This is no call to earn salvation but to live out his finished work.”
“For My sake and the gospel’s”—Our loss is tied to his mission: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24, LSB). “Peter links our cross-bearing to Christ’s atonement—his sacrifice empowers our obedience. To lose life for him is to gain it, because his gospel is the power of God unto salvation.”
“For My sake and the gospel’s”—Our loss is tied to his mission: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24, LSB). “Peter links our cross-bearing to Christ’s atonement—his sacrifice empowers our obedience. To lose life for him is to gain it, because his gospel is the power of God unto salvation.”
“Gain the world… forfeit his soul”—A warning with past and future weight: “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay each one according to his deeds” (Matthew 16:27, LSB), seen in AD 70’s judgment, yet awaiting consummation: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him” (Revelation 1:7, LSB). “Matthew’s promise of judgment was fulfilled when Jerusalem fell, yet Revelation extends it to the final day. Christ’s words here bind time—his reign is now and not yet, demanding loyalty over fleeting gain.”
“Gain the world… forfeit his soul”—A warning with past and future weight: “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay each one according to his deeds” (Matthew 16:27, LSB), seen in AD 70’s judgment, yet awaiting consummation: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him” (Revelation 1:7, LSB). “Matthew’s promise of judgment was fulfilled when Jerusalem fell, yet Revelation extends it to the final day. Christ’s words here bind time—his reign is now and not yet, demanding loyalty over fleeting gain.”
“When He comes in the glory”—His victory is certain: “To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-6, LSB). “John’s doxology crowns this call—Christ’s return isn’t a threat but a promise for his covenant people, redeemed by his blood, made a kingdom under his rule.”
“When He comes in the glory”—His victory is certain: “To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-6, LSB). “John’s doxology crowns this call—Christ’s return isn’t a threat but a promise for his covenant people, redeemed by his blood, made a kingdom under his rule.”
Christ Exalted: “Jesus commands as the risen King, his cross the emblem of victory, his call the privilege of his elect. His glory, not ours, is the prize.”
Christ Exalted: “Jesus commands as the risen King, his cross the emblem of victory, his call the privilege of his elect. His glory, not ours, is the prize.”
Modern Echo: “Consider a subject pledging loyalty to a king—not for reward, but because the king’s cause is just. Christ’s worth compels us.”
Modern Echo: “Consider a subject pledging loyalty to a king—not for reward, but because the king’s cause is just. Christ’s worth compels us.”
3. Theological Reflection (5-7 minutes)
3. Theological Reflection (5-7 minutes)
Covenant Lens: “Christ’s road fulfills the covenant: ‘And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed’ (Genesis 12:3, LSB). He crushes the serpent: ‘And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel’ (Genesis 3:15, LSB).”
Covenant Lens: “Christ’s road fulfills the covenant: ‘And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed’ (Genesis 12:3, LSB). He crushes the serpent: ‘And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel’ (Genesis 3:15, LSB).”
Reformed Emphasis: “His suffering is our atonement: ‘who was delivered over on account of our transgressions, and was raised on account of our justification’ (Romans 4:25, LSB).”
Reformed Emphasis: “His suffering is our atonement: ‘who was delivered over on account of our transgressions, and was raised on account of our justification’ (Romans 4:25, LSB).”
Eschatological Hope: “The cross and resurrection mark his reign’s ‘already’—seen in AD 70—while we await the ‘not yet’: ‘Amen. Come, Lord Jesus’ (Revelation 22:20, LSB).”
Eschatological Hope: “The cross and resurrection mark his reign’s ‘already’—seen in AD 70—while we await the ‘not yet’: ‘Amen. Come, Lord Jesus’ (Revelation 22:20, LSB).”
4. Conclusion (5 minutes)
4. Conclusion (5 minutes)
Recap: “In Mark 8, Christ begins his march to the cross—not as a defeated man, but as the sovereign Son. He suffers to redeem, dies to conquer, rises to reign. This Lent, we behold him, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Recap: “In Mark 8, Christ begins his march to the cross—not as a defeated man, but as the sovereign Son. He suffers to redeem, dies to conquer, rises to reign. This Lent, we behold him, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Exaltation: “Lift your eyes to Jesus, the King who bore the cross and wears the crown. His resolve is our redemption; his call is our honor.”
Exaltation: “Lift your eyes to Jesus, the King who bore the cross and wears the crown. His resolve is our redemption; his call is our honor.”
Close: “‘To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen’ (Revelation 1:5-6, LSB).
Close: “‘To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen’ (Revelation 1:5-6, LSB).
