Mark 8:31-9:13 - “NO and YES”
- Rico Tice, in his book Exploring Christianity, descries a follower of Jesus as one who knows who Jesus is, understands why Jesus came, and is prepared to follow Him whatever the cost. Do you affirm this definition of discipleship? Why or why not?
- Jesus taught his disciples that he must suffer, be rejected by the religious leaders, be killed and on the third day rise from the dead. Why were they unprepared to hear this teaching? What does this say about the human heart when confronted by the sheer grace of Christ’s actions?
- Jesus calls the crowds and his disciples together (8:34) and implores them to deny themselves, take up their cross and to follow him? What is the difference between a God-oriented life and a life of self-seeking?
- If taking up one’s cross doesn’t deal with self-pity for problems in life, then how does Jesus command imply an intentional and painful dying to our self-interests?
- Jesus invites people to follow him. What are the reasons that you follow or don’t follow Jesus? What is the cost of not following him?
- Jesus looks to the future as well as the past on the mount of transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13). How does Moses and Elijah’s presence point in both directions?How does Jesus stand at the center of biblical history in the past and the future?
- Peter misunderstood Jesus’ explanation of why the Messiah came (8:31-33) and, on the mountain, he wanted to build three “shelters” for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. What was Peter thinking in both instances? Why was he frightened by Christ’s words and Christ’s glory? Like Peter, how can our responses to Christ be an attempt to control the work of Christ’s kingdom on earth?
- Throughout this section, there is a call to embrace Christ and the gospel (see: 8:35, 38; 9:7). How does a disciple do this? What are some ways that you are committed to this life of discipleship?
- When they left the mount of transfiguration, they returned to face deep personal problems in ministry and the larger community? Why does Jesus call us to engage the world and not withdraw from this engagement? How can you faithfully touch this community for Christ? How can BG sharpen our outreach focus into the community?
- How does the NO and YES of Jesus words direct our lives in our homes and workplace?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation on His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
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