Scripture: Mark 8:27-9:11 (CEB)
27 Jesus and his disciples went into the villages near Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
28 They told him, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others one of the prophets.”
29 He asked them, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” 30 Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
31 Then Jesus began to teach his disciples: “The Human One[a] must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and the legal experts, and be killed, and then, after three days, rise from the dead.” 32 He said this plainly. But Peter took hold of Jesus and, scolding him, began to correct him. 33 Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, then sternly corrected Peter: “Get behind me, Satan. You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”
34 After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. 35 All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them. 36 Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? 37 What will people give in exchange for their lives? 38 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Human One[b] will be ashamed of that person when he comes in the Father’s glory with the holy angels.” 9 1 Jesus continued, “I assure you that some standing here won’t die before they see God’s kingdom arrive in power.”
Jesus transformed
2 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, 3 and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He said this because he didn’t know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified.
7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Human One[c] had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept it to themselves, wondering, “What’s this ‘rising from the dead’?” 11 They asked Jesus, “Why do the legal experts say that Elijah must come first?”
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Contributed by Stephanie Dickenson
Peter steps forward –> Before Jesus began the final journey of His ministry, He confronted His followers with a daunting question: But “who do you say I AM” Peter spoke for them all : “YOU ARE THE MESSIAH.” Matthew 16:16 states that Peter further claimed “YOU ARE THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.” Matthew remembered Jesus highly praised Peter for being open to this prophetic gift from the Holy Spirit.
Peter steps back –> Peter couldn’t help but feel empowered by this recognition. Jesus confided in His followers that the end of His Ministry was near. Peter, embracing his elevated stature, boldly tried to persuade against this unthinkable plan. However, Jesus pointed out to Peter, “Now you are open to the plans of Satan. Step aside … “ How confused Peter must have been? Perhaps he thought “But Lord, You can bring about so much change for good in this world. Why would you stop now?” Perhaps Jesus remembered the final wilderness temptation of Satan è Again, the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to Him, “I will give You all these things if You will fall down and worship me10.” Then Jesus told him[satan], “Go away Matthew 4: 8-10 ”
Peters next steps –> Jesus turned to call his crowd of followers to servant – living. Was He was still remembering that third temptation? “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul” Peter received a new vision of his life, serving Christ. A life that ultimately meant he would carry his own cross. Jesus rebuked Peter’s pride again and again according to the scriptures. The good news is: Peter spent his lifetime learning humility while still leading with determination and in adoration of His Savior.
Prayer
Lord, we have good plans for our lives that incorporate the good use of our God given gifts. Help us recognize when pride is filling us with self-importance. Give us courage to say “Get behind me satan.” Set our hearts and minds on Your concerns. You are all in all. AMEN
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