After a series of disappointments, Jesus takes an inventory of his twelve disciples, wondering if they will ever get it. Cutting directly to the point, Jesus asks “who do you say that I am?” Despite previous and future blunders, Simon Peter get’s it right this time, “Son of the living God.” While the timing was right, Jesus unveils the future, what will happen and by whom He will endure suffering. From one moment of greatness to the gutter, Peter tries to privately rebuke Jesus. Instead the tables are turned as Peter begins to think like the devil.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns,” Mark 8:33.
In the passage which follows, Jesus lays out a three step plan for developing a genuine faith which takes into consideration the mind of God. After nearly three full years with Jesus, the disciples struggled to break free from human concerns.
1. Deny Yourself: Take on the very nature of a servant, placing the needs of others above yourself.
2. Take Up Your Cross: Set out on ascertaining what God’s will is and make this your calling in life.
3. Follow Christ: Through prayer, study of the Bible and worship, follow in the foot steps of Jesus.
I’m not sure who first said the mind is a terrible thing to waste, yet this also applies to faith. Christians can do the right thing, say the right thing and worship in an ideal church, but still fail miserably in their faith. Like any competition, if you don’t play a complete game, it only takes one bad stretch to blow it. Therefore, as you wrestle with balancing necessary human concerns, may you take Jesus’ advice in Mark 8:34 and develop into a faith like Christ.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 