What Jesus Did! 'Don't Tell!' — Mark 8:29-30

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Then Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." Jesus told the followers, "Don't tell any person who I am."
— Mark 8:29-30 NLT
Illustration of Mark 8:29-30 NLT — Then Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." Jesus told the followers, "Don't tell any person who I am."

Key Thought

Jesus' warning seems bizarre to many folks today. However, if we follow the story of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, we realize that the people who hear him want to define what it means for Jesus to be Messiah and Son of God rather than letting God define it. So Jesus forbids and warns those who catch a glimpse of his identity to not tell. He wants to define what it means to be Messiah (the Christ) and Son of God. That means going to a Cross, something that was beyond their comprehension. (Notice Peter's reaction to this revelation in the verses that follow.) The basic message for you and me is this: we must let Jesus define his Messiahship and then re-define our lives as we follow him.

Today's Prayer

O Father, teach me to fully understand who your Son is and to follow him without reservation, no matter what the personal cost may be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 1:21-28
  • Mark 5:35-43
  • 7:31-37

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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