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Our text is Mark 8:27-38
Who is Jesus and what is his mission?
What was Jesus doing here by referring to himself as “the son of man” instead of the “son of God?” Jesus is emphasizing his humanity, and is actually referencing a prophecy in Daniel 7:13.
Peter recognized Jesus as being not only the Christ, but also the son of God. Jesus praises Peter for his answer and blesses him. When we recognize Jesus as the son of God, we will be blessed as well.
The disciples here are still thinking that Jesus has come to set up an early kingdom. They know that he has God’s power in him. They probably thought that Rome wouldn’t even know what hit them… the disciples have sacrificed a lot up till now, but things won’t turn out as they are thinking at this point.
Jesus rebukes Peter very severely for attempting to tempt Jesus towards another path. This is only a few verse after Peter had been praised and blessed for recognizing who Jesus was.
What does it mean to follow the son of man?
Disowning ourselves doesn’t mean that we hate ourselves, it simply means that we reject ourselves and what we want as number one and most important. Instead we should be centering and building our lives around the things of God.
Luke 9:17 – Taking up our cross daily simply means that we need to be willing to suffer and die for Christ. Right now an “American cross” is in some ways simper to bear than a “Syrian cross.” We need to be faithful regardless of which cross we are called to bear.
“Follow me,” Jesus said. When we follow someone we are wanting to be where he is and imitate the person. We also need to be listening and responding to the leading of the one who is leading us…
What about the cost of following Jesus?
When the cost of following Jesus looks too big, we need to be sure that we are considering how little we are giving up to gain so much. We are hugely unworthy of being a follower/child of God.
There is a joy and peace that can be found if we fully embrace the life of Jesus and follow him with all that we are and have.
Take up your cross. Deny yourself. Follow Christ.