Word@Work 096 - Mark 8:27-30
Published: Fri, 04/04/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 8:27-30 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. (NIV)
'On the way', may sound like the introduction to a casual comment; but with Jesus, nothing is random or haphazard. As usual, the Master was teaching His future church leaders. And His questions plumbed their understanding. The identity of Jesus remains the most critical issue in the world, and everybody had an opinion then. The favourite was 'a prophet'. It was clear that He spoke with authority from God, and the miracles confirmed His words (cf Acts 14:3). Somehow, 'prophet' was a safe concept - you can buy into it, or not, if you want to.
But now, the spotlight was on the disciples - who do they think Jesus is? Peter speaks up boldly - 'the Christ' (Messiah)! What he did not realise, was that this confession was to be a matter of life or death for them: and Peter would soon be tested (before the cock crowed on crucifixion morning). It was so much life and death, that Jesus did not want this private confession to become public knowledge before His time had come.
The identity of Jesus, and whether people identify with Him, is life or death to every soul. Religious discussions may be safe, but they are so much hot air unless Jesus Christ is in the centre. Whatever people may think of us or church, it is only what they think about Jesus that ultimately matters. Strangely that is the one topic that seems frozen out of most Christian's conversation! So perhaps it is time to warm up your office and club discussions with, "Who do you think Jesus is?"! An open Bible is the only authority you have for the answers - so let your confidence grow!
Prayer: Father God. I feels so privileged that I know who Jesus is - Your appointed Saviour of the world! Please help me to get my friends and colleagues thinking about the identity of Jesus, and give me courage to ask the crucial question. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
'On the way', may sound like the introduction to a casual comment; but with Jesus, nothing is random or haphazard. As usual, the Master was teaching His future church leaders. And His questions plumbed their understanding. The identity of Jesus remains the most critical issue in the world, and everybody had an opinion then. The favourite was 'a prophet'. It was clear that He spoke with authority from God, and the miracles confirmed His words (cf Acts 14:3). Somehow, 'prophet' was a safe concept - you can buy into it, or not, if you want to.
But now, the spotlight was on the disciples - who do they think Jesus is? Peter speaks up boldly - 'the Christ' (Messiah)! What he did not realise, was that this confession was to be a matter of life or death for them: and Peter would soon be tested (before the cock crowed on crucifixion morning). It was so much life and death, that Jesus did not want this private confession to become public knowledge before His time had come.
The identity of Jesus, and whether people identify with Him, is life or death to every soul. Religious discussions may be safe, but they are so much hot air unless Jesus Christ is in the centre. Whatever people may think of us or church, it is only what they think about Jesus that ultimately matters. Strangely that is the one topic that seems frozen out of most Christian's conversation! So perhaps it is time to warm up your office and club discussions with, "Who do you think Jesus is?"! An open Bible is the only authority you have for the answers - so let your confidence grow!
Prayer: Father God. I feels so privileged that I know who Jesus is - Your appointed Saviour of the world! Please help me to get my friends and colleagues thinking about the identity of Jesus, and give me courage to ask the crucial question. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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