Altered Through Stories We Don't Trust
This is the sermon I preached on Sunday, February 25 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church . The text was Mark 8:31-38 . Our sermon series “Altered by the Spirit” continues as we focus on being “Altered Through Stories We Don’t Trust.” I would add “or Like.” Today’s gospel is among the “hard sayings” of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will change us as we give ourselves over to these “hard words.” Jesus was preparing his disciples for his upcoming crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. He would no longer, physically, be with them. What was wrong with Peter's response to Jesus' news? After all, Peter loved Jesus and cared about what would happen to him. Peter could not imagine his messiah and friend being subjected to such horror. Wasn't Peter responding in a way any loving friend would? Do any of you wonder why Jesus is talking like this? Here was certainly a story that Peter didn’t trust. Firstly, this passage is right in the middle of Mark's gospel. Jesus has given his di