The Most Important Question: Mark 8:27-30
“27) Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28) They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” 39) And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter *answered and *said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30) And He warned them to tell no one about Him.” Mark 8:27-30
They had traveled with Jesus for nearly three years. His disciples heard His teachings, beheld His miracles and observed Him on a daily basis. It was now time to answer a few big questions.
First, “Who do people say that I am?” The answer came quickly; “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” Everyone had an opinion about Jesus, but none were right. The multitudes of people missed His identity.
Second, “Who do you say that I am? This is now personal. This was the most important question! Peter quickly answered; “Thou art the Christ.” Matthew 16:16 adds; “the Son of the living God.”
The Holy Spirit had been working in Peter. He revealed the truth to Him. This answer was the rock and cornerstone of the church Jesus was about to build. He said the gates of hell could not prevail against His Church. (See Matthew 16:17-19)
Then Jesus warned His disciples to wait and tell no one at that time. He faced an unfinished task. The cross awaited Him. It was not time to make Him King. His work was not yet complete. People need much more than physical healing. They need spiritual healing.
Before we look at the response of Peter to the revelation of His coming rejection and suffering, the most important question must be asked of each of us; “What is your opinion about Jesus?” “Who is He?” What separates Him from all others?
Let’s be honest, most people have an opinion about these questions. Some recognize Him as a good man. Others say He was a religious leader or a prophet. Even Islam acknowledges His status as a prophet. But those answers all fall short.
Until you acknowledge Him as “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” you miss the target. Even then you must repent and put personal faith in Him! He must become both Savior and Lord of your life. It is possible to be religious but lost.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounded of GoServ Global
“27) Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28) They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” 39) And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter *answered and *said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30) And He warned them to tell no one about Him.” Mark 8:27-30
They had traveled with Jesus for nearly three years. His disciples heard His teachings, beheld His miracles and observed Him on a daily basis. It was now time to answer a few big questions.
First, “Who do people say that I am?” The answer came quickly; “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” Everyone had an opinion about Jesus, but none were right. The multitudes of people missed His identity.
Second, “Who do you say that I am? This is now personal. This was the most important question! Peter quickly answered; “Thou art the Christ.” Matthew 16:16 adds; “the Son of the living God.”
The Holy Spirit had been working in Peter. He revealed the truth to Him. This answer was the rock and cornerstone of the church Jesus was about to build. He said the gates of hell could not prevail against His Church. (See Matthew 16:17-19)
Then Jesus warned His disciples to wait and tell no one at that time. He faced an unfinished task. The cross awaited Him. It was not time to make Him King. His work was not yet complete. People need much more than physical healing. They need spiritual healing.
Before we look at the response of Peter to the revelation of His coming rejection and suffering, the most important question must be asked of each of us; “What is your opinion about Jesus?” “Who is He?” What separates Him from all others?
Let’s be honest, most people have an opinion about these questions. Some recognize Him as a good man. Others say He was a religious leader or a prophet. Even Islam acknowledges His status as a prophet. But those answers all fall short.
Until you acknowledge Him as “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” you miss the target. Even then you must repent and put personal faith in Him! He must become both Savior and Lord of your life. It is possible to be religious but lost.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounded of GoServ Global
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