No Messenger Newsletter UFN (see News Section)

"Let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
(Mark 8:34)

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

Mark 8:27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?"
Mark 8:28 And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."
Mark 8:29* He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah."
Mark 8:30* And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

Mark 8:31* Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Mark 8:32* He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
Mark 8:33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."

Take Up the Cross and Follow Him

Mark 8:34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 8:35* For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.
Mark 8:36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?
Mark 8:37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life?
Mark 8:38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

NSRV & Believer's Study Bible (BSB) Notes

[Mark 8:29] Peter's recognition that Jesus is "the Christ" (the Messiah, see note at 1:1: The Gospel in a Small Corner (see map). In a small corner of the Mediterranean world, Jesus announced the gospel of the kingdom. This announcement came in the midst of political uproar as the armies and politicians of Rome jockeyed for position in these recently annexed territories of Judea and Galilee. Events in this part of the world were of interest to the imperial city of Rome, especially a claim by anyone to be the king of the Jews. And Jews living in the far corners of the Roman Empire certainly followed the news of their homeland. Though only a small corner, Judea and Galilee held a significance greater than their size.

Verse 1 serves in essence as the title of the book. The term "gospel" (euangelion, Gk.) means "good news, good message." The message of good news concerns Jesus Christ, who He is and what He does. He is the Son of God who gave His life for sinners, conquered death, and now brings salvation to those who trust Him (cf. Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). As a literary form, a gospel is unique; it is not a biography but is rather a theological/historical narrative designed to present the truth about Jesus who is the Christ. "Christ" means "Anointed One" and is the Greek equivalent of "Messiah" (masiah, Heb.). "Christ" was originally a title for the Person of Jesus and later became so familiar in association with Him that it became a part of His name. That Mark uses it as a title which identifies Jesus as the Messiah can be seen in 8:29 and 14:61, 62.) is pivotal in the Gospel of Mark.

[Mark 8:30] See chart, "The Messianic Secret in Mark," Mark 1:44.

[Mark 8:31] (vv. 8:31-10:52) In this section, which focuses primarily on Jesus' teaching of His disciples, there is a recurring structure which enables us to ascertain the author's intent. Three times Jesus predicts His own suffering and death (8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-34). Following each of these predictions is a section on what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Jesus teaches His disciples that (contrary to current Jewish expectations) He is the Messiah whose true mission is to suffer and die for His people, and He teaches them that true discipleship means complete commitment to Him and selfless service for others.

[Mark 8:32] Peter's "rebuke" of Jesus was due to his still incomplete understanding of the true mission of the Messiah. Peter could not reconcile the idea of the suffering Messiah with the current Jewish notions. The O.T. had predicted a Messiah who would suffer and die for the sins of the people (cf. Isa. 53), and this message became the central focus for the early church (cf. Acts 17:2, 3).

[Mark 8:35] One of the apparent paradoxes of Scripture relates to the voluntary sacrifice of a man's life for the cause of Christ. The verse does not demand martyrdom in order to secure life. However, the passage does establish that men coming to Christ must give Him their lives in such totality that they retain no claim upon them. Having placed themselves forever in the hands of Christ, they immediately possess the abundant life.

Readings for week of September 19th
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
First: Isaiah 50: 4-9a
Psalm 116: 1-9
Second: James 3: 1-12
Gospel: Mark 8: 27-38

NEW Sunday Worship Services at 10:00am (see News Section for detailed updates)
New Adult Sunday School 9:00am
Youth Sunday School Suspended UFN

Tuesday & Thursday Bible Study (Academic Bldg, Rm 5 & Online) at 10:30 a.m. (see News Section for Details & Online Instructions)
Wednesday Holy Communion Service (Sanctuary) Noon [Suspended UFN]