They get it! Well, sort of.
Jesus is in Caesarea Philippi which is due north of the Sea of Galilee near Mt. Hermon and the head waters of the Jordan River. The town has a Roman name because in it is a temple built to the Roman god, the Emperor. Against this backdrop Jesus asked his disciples who do you say I am? Peter answers, “You are the Messiah.” At this point Mark is not asserting that Jesus is divine. That comes later. Here, Mark wants us to appreciate the claim Jesus has been making about himself.
The Jews expected their Messiah to do three things. First, he will cleanse the Temple. Second he will defeat the invading army. Third, as the true and final King of Israel he will rule the entire world with truth and justice.
With that understanding we can begin to see how Jesus redefines the role of the Messiah. As an example, we will come to appreciate that Jesus is the Temple and when the Holy Spirit comes to the believers, they then become the Temple.
“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.” (1 Corinthians 3: 16-17, 6:19)
When Jesus begins to explains how his ministry will end Peter objects. Peter gets that Jesus is the Messiah; he doesn’t yet understand how or why the King of Israel must be killed. In time Peter will get it.
The time is now getting close. After his Transfiguration (probably on Mount Hermon) Peter asked Jesus how his ministry fit into their understanding that the prophet Elijah would return before the Messiah. Jesus tells Peter that Elijah has already come. In time, Peter would appreciate the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for the Messiah.
Typically Christians think of Jesus as their savior. Jesus wasn’t crucified because he came to save people from their sins. Jesus’ claim that he was Messiah – King, this is why the Jews insisted he had to die. Does it change your perception of Jesus to know that he is God’s Messiah? Does it change your perception of Jesus to know that he is King?
Maybe this claim by Jesus that he is the Messiah will help you in your thinking.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4: 17-21)
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
4-Nov-11 Mark 9:14-29
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