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.” Mark 8:38
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 8:27-38, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method:
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: This passage focuses on Jesus teaching the disciples about His identity. Jesus continues to reveal who He is about Himself and He wants His disciples to be clear about who He is - this is important because all believers should be clear about who Jesus is. Jesus is God. He is Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit - the Triumvirate God. Although in this passage of scripture explicitly, Jesus reveals through Peter that He is The Christ which in an of itself must be unpacked. We also understand that Jesus must die on the cross (v31) - Jesus becomes the perfect, spotless lamb of God that takes upon Himself the sin of the world and the resulting punishment - death - as a substitution and atonement for all of humanity's sins throughout redemptive history. This must happen and as with anything relating to God's plan - it cannot be stopped. Jesus seeks for His disciples and followers to be humble and to follow His example of humility...to be more like Jesus.
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: People may not like what God is doing - for example Peter does not like that Jesus shares that He must die at the hands of the Jewish elders. Despite how Peter does not like Jesus' plan to die on the cross, it's not something he should take upon himself to intervene. We should be as clear minded as possible about our circumstances to discern what God is doing and pray for wisdom about what God wants us to do in our circumstances. We should not be rash about what we think we should do from an earthly perspective. We should also not be ashamed about God or our faith - see v38. We must boldly claim the Gospel. The world may not want to hear the Gospel but we are commanded to share it.
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid taking things into our own hands but instead see what God is doing in our circumstances and seek Him in prayer for wisdom and direction. We should set our minds on the things of God - scripture and prayer - renewing our mind (Romans 12:2). We should be humble (vv34-35). We should claim God's promise that if we deny ourself, follow Jesus and have faith - we will be saved (v35). We should not be ashamed of our faith nor about sharing the Gospel.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves and whose Good News is perfect and worthy of sharing throughout all corners of the world. Your Word has allowed me to see You, and to deepen my understanding and love of who You are. It has molded me into more of Your image - I know there is more to go but I am grateful for my salvation and the work You are doing in me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
