Sunday 15 September 2024
He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” (v. 29)
Background
Today’s passage is situated between the healing of a blind man (Mark 8:22-26) and the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2-8) which may well be a deliberate editorial choice. Jesus and his disciples are ‘on the way’ (v. 27) to the villages of Caesarea Philippi and they are also 'on the way' to understanding who Jesus is. It takes multiple conversations with Jesus before they realise what he is telling them. Jesus lays hands on the blind man twice before he is able to see clearly, and the disciples also need Jesus to keep repeating himself. The foretelling of his death and resurrection in verse 31 occurs again at Mark 9:31 and Mark 10:33-34.
On all three of these occasions, Jesus shares this revelation with the disciples but not with the whole crowd. It is clear from the beginning of the passage (vs 27-28) that the crowd's view of Jesus is different from disciples' view. No-one other than Peter has acknowledged him as the Messiah. Jesus orders the disciples not to share the unique insights they have with anyone else (v. 30) because he knows that he is not going to be the kind of Messiah that was expected. The tension this clash of expectations could provoke is highlighted by the altercation between Peter and Jesus in verses 32-33.
There is no secrecy, however, about the cost of discipleship. The whole crowd hear the call “to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.”(v. 34) This has an added poignancy as we read it now, knowing that Jesus died on a cross. That detail was not included in the three predictions of the passion mentioned earlier.
To Ponder:
- When have you needed someone to repeat something before you could understand or accept it?
- What tensions have you experienced between your awareness of your own identity and other people’s expectations of you?
- Who do you say that Jesus is?
Prayer
Jesus, you spoke to individuals, to small groups and to large crowds. May I hear your voice today, whether I am alone, with friends or surrounded by strangers. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Nicola Vidamour
Nicola is the Director of Reflective Pastoral Supervision at Wesley House in Cambridge. She loves travel, tea, theatre and Taizé.