What is the normal Christian life? Is it balance? Is it being comfortable? You cannot answer that without answering this first, “who is Jesus?” That is the question Jesus will pose to his followers. Their answer will help them understand Jesus and his mission and Jesus’ calling on their lives.

Mark 8:27-30 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ v. 27. Caesarea Philippi was north of Galilee 25 miles. As they walked Jesus asked, “who do people say that I am?”

v. 28. 1) John the Baptist – Who Herod believed Jesus was, reincarnated. 2) Elijah – the OT prophet who didn’t die but was carried to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah was prophesied in Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6 to return before the Day of the Lord. 3) one of the prophets – like the OT prophets God

Each of these would seem like an honor to call Jesus. But to say Jesus was the greatest prophet or teacher, would put him in old categories. It is “to pour new wine into old wineskins.” (2:22)

The authority that Jesus has demonstrated in Mark does not allow him to be defined by old terms. Jesus has demonstrated power and authority like no one else but God Himself.

v. 29. “Who do you say that I am?” to know what others think about Jesus does not matter The question is for everyone is, “who do you say that Jesus is?” This is the central question of Mark’s Gospel – the meaning of faith is in your answer.

They saw Jesus exercise power and authority over disease, the storm, the demonic. Now he calls them to make a decision on what they’ve seen. You must know and personally confess who Jesus is.

Peter declares. “You are the Christ.” God declared about Jesus, “you are my beloved Son.” Demons recognized Jesus as “Son of God”, and “Son of the Most High God.” This is the first public statement by a human of who Jesus is.

“Christ” is the Greek for the Hebrew “Messiah”, means “anointed”. In the OT 3 classes were anointed: prophets, priests, and kings. One who was anointed was selected for a special task.

Specifically, the Messiah was understood by the Jews to be the King who was appointed by God to deliver Israel from its enemies and cause Israel to live in peace. Mark 8:31-38 Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection Jesus now tells the disciples what his Messiah-ship means. They are not prepared. v. 31. Jesus must Suffer – Jews saw the Messiah as a victorious king. They did not understand Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant applying to Messiah. Jesus said he would not rule in human victory but would suffer.

Be rejected –Jesus’ suffering will not come at the hands of god-less, wicked people. Jesus suffers at the hands of “elders, chief priests, teachers of law” – the religious, educated. Not humanity at its worst, but humanity supposedly at its best. They will reject him, even after careful deliberation and will say their actions are just.

Be killed – absolutely incomprehensible by the disciples. v. 32. Peter rebuked him. The suffering death of Messiah Peter could not understand.

Be Raised – Jesus foretells his resurrection: “I will suffer, be killed, and after 3 days rise again!” (Mk 3:27)

You cannot follow Jesus without the self-denial of the cross. You must understand and accept that Jesus calls you to die.

The self-centered life must be put to death (34) to take up cross was total denial of self The safe life must be put to death (35) If you try to save your life, give it meaning in what you want or obtain, you will waste it But if you give your life in pursuing Jesus Christ, you will find life, meaning, purpose The self-serving life must be put to death. (36-37) If you try to live life by what you obtain, you will waste it But if you give your life in pursuing Jesus Christ, you will obtain true life The shame of Christ must be put to death. (38) We cannot save ourselves. We are dependent on him. We must be humble before him.

You must know and personally confess who Jesus is. You must understand and accept that Jesus calls you to die.