Devotion • September 13
Today's Scripture
Mark 8:27–38
Jesus 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?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Then 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. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But 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.”
He 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. For 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. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those 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.” (NRSV)
Reflection
When our son was very young and struggling to identify strong emotions, my husband and I would ask him questions. The questions varied according to circumstance but might include “Are you hungry?” “Are you hurt?” or “Are you mad?” When we hit on the right thing, our son would burst out with his version of “OK,” as if his whole being depended on it, and his body would relax. He was understood and cared for. Naming it made all the difference.
Three times in this passage Jesus names things with his disciples. First, he asks them to confirm who he is. The disciples waffle a bit, offering who others say he is, but Jesus insists they tell him who they think he is. Peter finally has the courage to name Jesus as the Messiah.
Jesus goes on to describe what he will need to do and endure on our behalf. The disciples are equally uncomfortable with this, and Peter even takes him aside to rebuke him. But Jesus is having none of it and rebukes Peter right back. Naming what he will go through to save us is essential to our understanding of who Jesus is and his role in our lives.
Finally, Jesus turns to the larger crowd and spells out our responsibility in receiving this gift. It’s a strong order: denying ourselves to follow him. But once again, Jesus is clear about both the costs and the benefits of what he is asking of us.
Knowing it, understanding it, owning it. These are foundational to our understanding of and being part of God’s vision for us. Naming it makes all the difference.
Prayer
Holy God, thank you for the clarity that you have brought to us in knowing who you are and how much you love us. Help us to claim that love and reflect it back to your world so that others can claim that love. In your name. Amen.
Written by Lisa Stracks, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer© Fourth Presbyterian Church
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