So today I would like to ask a question to you listeners that is similar to the one I asked in one of my previous posts (Beware Of The Judas Spirit). The only difference is that I'm technically not asking the question. We are going to be in Mark 8 and we are looking at just a few verses!
"Jesus went out with His disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am? ” They answered Him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.” “But you,” He asked them again, “who do you say that I am? ” Mark 8:27-29a
Jesus has done many things, taught a ton about the kingdom, fed thousands upon thousands, and even walked on water. He's with His closest friends, and asks two major questions!
First he asks, who the people think He is. Mighty names are thrown out from the New and Old Testaments. None of which were true. This would be similar in our day! If I asked the question, "Who do think Jesus is?" I can't imagine the amount of answers! Things even farther off base would probably be said.
Then Jesus asks the infamous question! One that He had never asked before to his friends! "Who do you say that I am?" I can't imagine the silence, or maybe the desire to answer. Either way, that moment was crucial! Jesus was getting at their hearts! He wanted everything else aside, just honesty!
Then Peter speaks up!
“But you,” He asked them again, “who do you say that I am? ” Peter answered Him, “You are the Messiah! ” Mark 8:29
Amen Peter, Amen! If I were in that place I'd be excited to be that guy's friend!
You know what the saddest news is? We as Christians here in America say that we would be 100% Peter in this story. We undoubtably believe we'd say this too if that were us!
It's the Twinky principle. This delicious, fat treat looks like a light fluffy cake on the outside. But when you get to it's core, it's a creamy center. This delicacy can be a cake all it wants until the pressure is on. Once the Twinky is squeezed, the real inside comes out!
We say we want to be Peter in this passage, but when the pressure is on, is that true of our creamy center? I've found the more I ask this question, there is a place in our lives that where the pressure is on, we are hypocrites.
Don't throw stones yet! My hope tonight is to challenge you to think! Think of that area of your walk with God, and reflect. Don't bet yourself up, but reflect!
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
I want to be the disciple who speaks the truth in this passage, in every facet of my life!
Are you willing to surrender that area, that struggle to Jesus tonight?
Do you realize Jesus is anxiously waiting to forgive and empower you to do His will?
I ask you to surrender it all Beloved!
"Jesus went out with His disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am? ” They answered Him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.” “But you,” He asked them again, “who do you say that I am? ” Mark 8:27-29a
Jesus has done many things, taught a ton about the kingdom, fed thousands upon thousands, and even walked on water. He's with His closest friends, and asks two major questions!
First he asks, who the people think He is. Mighty names are thrown out from the New and Old Testaments. None of which were true. This would be similar in our day! If I asked the question, "Who do think Jesus is?" I can't imagine the amount of answers! Things even farther off base would probably be said.
Then Jesus asks the infamous question! One that He had never asked before to his friends! "Who do you say that I am?" I can't imagine the silence, or maybe the desire to answer. Either way, that moment was crucial! Jesus was getting at their hearts! He wanted everything else aside, just honesty!
Then Peter speaks up!
“But you,” He asked them again, “who do you say that I am? ” Peter answered Him, “You are the Messiah! ” Mark 8:29
You are the one Foretold! You are the Ancient Of Days of the prophet Daniel! Your are the Anointed above all others anointed! You are the Highest Priest! You are the CHRIST!
Amen Peter, Amen! If I were in that place I'd be excited to be that guy's friend!
You know what the saddest news is? We as Christians here in America say that we would be 100% Peter in this story. We undoubtably believe we'd say this too if that were us!
It's the Twinky principle. This delicious, fat treat looks like a light fluffy cake on the outside. But when you get to it's core, it's a creamy center. This delicacy can be a cake all it wants until the pressure is on. Once the Twinky is squeezed, the real inside comes out!We say we want to be Peter in this passage, but when the pressure is on, is that true of our creamy center? I've found the more I ask this question, there is a place in our lives that where the pressure is on, we are hypocrites.
Don't throw stones yet! My hope tonight is to challenge you to think! Think of that area of your walk with God, and reflect. Don't bet yourself up, but reflect!
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
I want to be the disciple who speaks the truth in this passage, in every facet of my life!
Are you willing to surrender that area, that struggle to Jesus tonight?
Do you realize Jesus is anxiously waiting to forgive and empower you to do His will?
I ask you to surrender it all Beloved!
