Second Sunday in Lent, March 16, 2003

Gen. 22:1-14; Psalm 16 or 16:5-11; Rom. 8:31-39; Mark 8:31-38

Mark’s gospel has two parts. Part 1 concludes with Peter’s confession of faith in Mark 8:29, “You are the Christ.” Mark, part 1, is a revelation of Jesus as the Son of God. By word, and deed, Christ reveals himself in his mighty works and his amazing words as one of a kind. No one has ever taught like this, no one has ever displayed power and authority over sin, sickness, nature, Satan, and death as Jesus has. After this awesome display of power, and this amazing teaching, Peter finally concludes, “You are the Christ.” After three years with Jesus, the “penny” has dropped, and Peter now sees Jesus as Mark declares in 1:1, “Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

However, this sharp rebuke from Jesus begins Mark part 2, which asks the question, “What kind of Messiah will Jesus be?” The answer is a Messiah the likes of which no one could have imagined. What is central to Mark, part 2, and central to the gospel is the looming crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. What Peter at this time cannot understand is the fact that Jesus will usher in the kingdom of God through the ignominy of death on the cross. Further, the way Jesus brings his Father’s will to completion will also be the pattern of life for the disciples, and for the church. They too, and we with them, to follow Jesus must take up our cross. Mark 8:31-10:52 illustrates what taking up the cross means in very practical terms. For instance, it will mean daily dependence upon Jesus to accomplish even the simplest tasks (for apostles, driving out unclean spirits should have been a snap — Mark 3:15) e.g. Mark 9:14f. Faithfulness in marriage expresses our taking up the cross (10:1f) and following Jesus.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8 that in our following the Lord, we have confidence because “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us ...” Following Jesus comes at a cost, but as Jesus puts it, “whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Abraham’s life, and particularly his offering of Isaac, demonstrates the kind of discipleship spoken of in the New Testament. Abraham trusted the Lord and believed “that God was able even to raise him from the dead.”

Trials for Christians are part of the good, yet fallen landscape in which we live. However, in following Jesus, we follow the one who has paved the way, and in whom there is fullness of life.

Look It Up

Look up Mark 8:38. How are we tempted to compromise the word of God? What is the Lord's reaction to those who soft peddle his clearly revealed word?

Think About It

Jesus tethers his person with his word. Can we worship Jesus and not pay close attention to his words?

Next Sunday

Third Sunday in Lent, March 23, 2003

Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:7-14; Rom. 7:13-25; John 2:13-22