Who do you say I am? (2)

How about you?

Jesus takes charge here to describe in my opinion the obstacles of faith: At least one really big one. That obstacle is the difference between what others say and what you say. In other words do you believe because others believe or do you believe because of your own understanding? Who do people say that I am?”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mk 8:27). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. I want you to notice what the Disciples said about the others opinion concerning who He was.

English Standard Version Chapter 8

28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

Why do you suppose the people are comparing or suggesting that Jesus is one of these people? I think it is what they know. They knew that these people were men of God; they can only talk about what they know.

Some background concerning Caesarea Philippi, This region or town was a place known for the creation of gods. This was the center of Baal worship. Greeks also found their gods here. Greek mythology tells us that Pan, god of nature took place in a cave which sprang up the waters that fed the Jordan River. So why do you suppose Jesus brings up the idea of who they say he is as they enter a city known for pagan worship? The idea of what we believe is very important. Christians often judge themselves righteous because of a world around us that says at least we are better than them.

When we consider the first question, Who do people say I am is often a description of the world view of religion: It is the difference between a personal relationship and an occasional acquaintance. Jesus then asks them, the Disciples, the question and it starts with a but. “But who do you say that I am?”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mk 8:29). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Do you feel that the but in the question signifies that Jesus expects that the Disciples, whom he has had a personal journey with will have a different answer?

The very next section begins with And. This suggests to me that it is an extension of the previous passage. In my opinion it also says that we need the previous passage before we can go into this passage. In other words let us first establish who you say Jesus is and then we can discuss what happens next.

31 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.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mk 8:31). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Can you relate to the importance of first understanding that Jesus is the Son of Man? So we feel we have established the idea that Jesus is the Son of Man. Peter confesses this idea right? I am going to take that thought a bit further and establish with you that this is not just a thought but a fact to me.

So, once Jesus establishes this fact look at what Peter does as soon as Jesus begins to tell the Disciples the next steps. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mk 8:32). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. What we have here is Peter trying to tell God what He can and cannot do. In other words Peter says wait a minute I just told you that you are the Son of God and now you are telling me that you will suffer. 33 But turning 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 on the things of man.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mk 8:33). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

So what are the things of the Kingdom? 34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mk 8:34–38). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Notice that Jesus is now turning His attention to us. It says he turned to the crowd, and that is all people.