Bible Study recap: Mark 8.27-38

We see keeping the secret of Jesus’ identity contrasting with the note to “not be ashamed of him”. Where is the distinction between keeping a secret and professing faith? Is it exalting the person, Jesus, versus spreading his message?

Is it that Jesus doesn’t want people thinking that it’s him alone doing these things? Because there’s more to his ministry and message than himself. Or did he want to quell the expectations that people had of the Messiah? The people wanted a warrior king to overthrow the Roman Empire and restore the power and prestige of the kingdom of Israel over all the lands. It’s clear that Jesus’ mission was along a different line.

The premonition of his suffering doesn’t mention crucifixion, but he instructs us to “take up the cross”. Would this statement carry the same meaning for those in audience that day who wouldn’t know what was to happen? We, living on the other side of Easter, see the significance of that; or was Mark adding something for dramatic effect in the time of his writing?

Our lives have to be about something; we can’t live for ourselves alone. It was interesting to note that our loyalty is often determined by our surroundings. Patriotism is directly influenced by the nation we live in. No matter where we’re born, it’s that particular country (and its leaders) that shape our worldview.

The questions of Jesus’ identity focus on our individual responses. Forget what everyone else is saying, who do YOU say I am?

That Peter is called Satan seems harsh and unnecessary; was Jesus so caught up in his teaching that he over-reacted to the interruption? It’s a little disturbing that Satan’s existence is taken for granted, that he does exist and is an active presence in the world, embedded among the faithful.

Who/what is Satan? A fiery, underworld denizen with pitchfork in hand? Perhaps a figurative concept, a personification of evil in the world? Once again, more questions than answers.