Lost in translation: Jesus seemed to have this issue with His disciples. They did not understand why He had come to this earth. The reason He came was to die for the sins of the world. His disciples didn’t get that because it was lost in translation.
Their hope and their belief was that He was going to establish an earthly kingdom then and there. They wanted Him to drive out the Romans who were occupying the land. In fact, after He fed the 5000, the people wanted to make Jesus king by force. They didn’t understand that that is not why He had primarily come.
In Mark 8, we are at a transitional point in Jesus’ ministry, and for the first time He’s going to speak very clearly and in great detail about why He has come.
Practical Principles
- One day when they stand before God Almighty, every person will acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord.Philippians 2:10 says that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Ultimately everyone will admit He is Lord. Every Christian will say it. Every non-Christian will say it. Every atheist will say it. Every agnostic will say it.
- Jesus was God coming to us in human flesh. Jesus was not a mere man. He was not just one of the prophets. He was God with skin on, walking among us.
- God’s plan from the beginning was to save the world through Christ. God knew mankind would blow it long before Adam and Even sinned. But His plan was to redeem mankind through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
- Jesus warns that each of us will have our own cross to bear. Mark 8:34 says, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Relevant Reminders
- The incarnation was for the purpose of the atonement. The birth of Jesus was so there would be the death of Jesus—and ultimately the resurrection of Jesus.
- It’s one thing to make a stand with fellow believers. It’s another thing to make a stand in our culture.
- It’s not our place to give advice to God.
- The devil hits us as Christians in the beginning, middle, and end of our lives.
- Selfless acts bring happiness.
Applicable Actions
Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” Now let me ask you, who is Jesus to you? Is He the son of God? Is He the Savior of the world? If so, then follow Him. Pick up your cross, deny yourself, follow Him, and put God first in your life.
