Journey
Read Mark 8: 27-38
Jesus and his disciples are journeying from place to place when Jesus asks his disciples just who the people think he is. There are crowds following them. The disciples name several of their ancestors, prophets and so on who have special connections to God. But Jesus also wants to know what his disciples think about him.
When Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God,” he seems to understand that Jesus is the anointed one of God, the one prophesized about, the one who is going to be King and save the nation.
But Jesus goes on to teach them about the future suffering he is going to endure and tells them that he is going to be murdered, but that he will rise again.
Peter takes Jesus aside and begins to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.”
Rebuke is a term used in the Bible to describe a form of correction or admonishment1. It is often used in the context of correcting sinful behavior or warning against potential pitfalls1. To rebuke someone is to criticize him or her pointedly, for a particular observed sinful behavior2. The Greek word most often translated as “rebuke” in the New Testament is elegchó, which means “to reprimand and convict by exposing (sometimes publicly) a wrong”2.
Jesus is not pleased with Peter and rebukes him! . “Get behind me, Satan!” he says. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
If these disciples who were Jesus’ closest followers, witnessing his miracles, taught by his wisdom, and enjoying his friendship did not understand, we must ask ourselves about our religious assumptions and equally important, because we are followers of Christ and are not alone in our walk, how have we grown in ability, understanding, and love for others (and the world)?
So, let’s trust that our journey with Christ is ongoing and will continue to take us on a journey home into a mystery we do not and cannot fully understand. Yet!
Remember, on the third day, Jesus was raised, and we too will be raised into a radiant love beyond the boundaries of this life.
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