Questions and Rebukes

Here are some thoughts regarding this coming Sunday's gospel. This was sent out electronically to the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church

Gospel: Mark 8:27-38

27Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

31Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

In sundaysandseasons.com, there is always a short explanation of the scripture text. The one for this gospel passage nicely sums it up, “This story provides the turning point in Mark’s gospel. Peter is the first human being in the narrative to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, but he cannot accept that as the Messiah Jesus will have to suffer. Moreover, Jesus issues a strong challenge to all by connecting discipleship and the cross.” Those are the facts. However, there is more to this exchange between Jesus and Peter than meets the eye.

Sometimes it is helpful to just ask questions of the text; those things that make you wonder and scratch your head. Here are some of my wonderings.

Jesus knew the thoughts and hearts of people. Why did he ask, “Who do people say that I am?” Didn’t he know? And why did he press the disciples as to who they say Jesus is?

Wouldn’t you think that Jesus would have given Peter a pat on the back for getting the right answer concerning his identity? Instead, in Mark’s version, the disciples are told to keep quiet. Hmmm.

Was Peter disappointed in Jesus when Jesus told the disciples about his approaching suffering and death. Why else would Peter rebuke Jesus?

And now Jesus rebukes Peter and calls him Satan. Doesn’t that seem a bit strong? Did he really become Satan?

And now we see in the last paragraph, the call of discipleship, the way of the cross. Is that any way to attract people to the cause? 

Think about these and your own questions for Sunday. I’ll deal with some of them. If you have a particular question about this passage that you want answered, text me at 716-904-0855 or email me at pastorivyg@gmail.com. That way I can be sure to address it Sunday. 


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