September 16, 2012 · Mark 8:27–38

The Confession, the Confusion, and the Concession

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

“I think what's happening here is he's talking about a sheer selfishness. He doesn't want to lose Jesus. He wants to hold on to him. He doesn't want suffering to be part of this story. But that's a human desire. Selfishness is always counter to the kingdom of God. And so we need to think of what we're doing, and we're doing something for the kingdom. It's not about us. It's easy to make this mistake. I think we do it all the time. We think we get the confession right. Okay, I call Jesus my master. So now I'm going to claim it. All these things. My life is going to be so much better. You know what? I do think Jesus heals things and brings joy, but it's joy in the midst of suffering. Suffering comes with this package. Jesus promised it right here. So we have confusion after the confession, and now Jesus says, time for concession. … If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life is going to lose it, and whoever loses his life for me and for the sake of the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me — or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels. This is the concession. Jesus decides this lesson needs to go out further.”