What Jesus Did! 'Rebuking Ignorance' — Mark 8:31-32

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Then Jesus began to tell [the disciples] that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.
— Mark 8:31-32 NLT

Key Thought

So often, we as human beings want to decide what kind of Lord we have. Peter had his own conceptions of what it meant for Jesus to be the Messiah. For him, God's Messiah wouldn't go to a cross. Such an idea was an outrage. It was impossible. So Peter rebuked Jesus out of his own bias and ignorance. Rather than letting Jesus define his own Messiahship and follow God's plan, Peter wanted Jesus to conform to what he wanted from him. How have you tried to tell Jesus what it means for him to be your Lord, Savior, and Messiah? What are your expectations of Jesus? Are these expectations getting in the way of your following and obeying Jesus as your Lord?

Today's Prayer

God, I confess that I find myself selfishly wanting to determine what it means for Jesus to be my Messiah, Savior, and Lord. Rather than following obediently and facing my own cross, I want to be blessed and protected as I am. Father, please forgive me and use your Spirit to conform me into a true follower of your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 8:34-38
  • Luke 14:25-33
  • John 21:15-19

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 8:31-32 NLT — As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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