Mark 8:22-33 - “Open Our Eyes, Lord”
- Mark’s Gospel begins with the words: “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Written to Christians in Rome, how do these words confirm that Jesus is Lord and not Caesar?
- The entire Gospel answers two major questions - Who is Jesus? and What did Jesus do? This section of Scripture is the hinge that separates Mark’s answer to these questions. Read Mark 8:22-33 and make some observations on the transition from one question to the other.
- How does Jesus’ healing of a blind person illustrate the desperate need for Jesus touch on the disciples understanding? (see Mark 8:14-21)
- The remainder of Mark’s Gospel reflects the disciple’s need for clearer understanding of Jesus. What might be some reasons that Jesus asked about the public’s perception of himself? What are some current perceptions of Jesus? Why does he then ask a more personal question of the disciples? How would you answer his question in Mark 8:29?
- Jesus teaches the disciples that he MUST suffer, be rejected by religious leaders, killed and after three days rise again. How do these truths change your understanding of the Lord?
- Peter did not accept these promises and challenged Jesus stating that the true Messiah would never engage in these things? Why is it hard for many people to accept the suffering and death of Jesus? Why does Jesus rebuke Peter?
- Jesus classifies Peter’s response as having the things of men in mind and not the things of God. How does Jesus’ response relate to our lives in the 21st century? How does Jesus emphasize that he is central to all of life?
- BG’s mission statement emphasizes that we seek to glorify God by making disciples who engage the world for Jesus Christ. How does this section of Scripture teach us to disciple others with whom we work and live?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation on his Word to increase your love for him and others as we seek to live daily in the grace of the Lord Jesus.
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