Passage
Mark 8:27-38 (ESV)
The Church in Antioch
Acts 11:19-30
Key Verse: 11:26
You Are the Messiah
Date: Apr. 3, 2016
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 8:35
First, who do you say I am? (27-30) People had all kinds of ideas about who Jesus was, thinking he was John, Elijah or a prophet who had returned from the dead. They saw his greatness in that way, but now Jesus asked his disciples, "What about you?" Peter answered correctly: "You are the Messiah." This was the turning point of Jesus' ministry. But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone. He would need to teach them from now what kind of Messiah he is.
Second, the way of Jesus (31-38). Jesus taught his disciples that their Messiah is the Son of Man who would suffer, be killed and then rise again. This is not the way Peter had in mind, so he rebuked Jesus. But Jesus harshly rebuked Peter. He invited the crowd to him and taught them that this is a sinful generation, concerned with saving their lives in this world at the cost of their souls and life itself. But God is concerned with our eternal salvation. He sent Jesus to die for our sin. He calls us to deny our very selves, and to follow the way of Jesus-the way of the cross, which is the way of life.
Prayer: Prayer: Lord, I am only interested in saving myself. Thank you for Jesus, who opens my eyes to life. Help me to follow him.
One Word: Take up your cross and follow Jesus
