Mark 8:31-38
In this passage, Mark clearly projects the truth, and nothing but the truth, as given to the disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Truth about Dying: vv. 31-32
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
1. The suffering . v. 31
2. The sacrifice . v. 32
Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered (Hebrews 5:8).
The Truth about Lying: v. 33
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. AGet behind me, Satan! he said. AYou do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.
1. Satan is a deceiver . 2 Corinthians 11:4
For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.
2. Satan is a devourer . John 10:9-10
AI am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The Truth about Serving: vv. 34-38
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: AIf anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.
1. Discipleship involves self-denial . v. 34
2. Discipleship involves servanthood . v. 35
3. Discipleship involves sacrifice . v. 36
4. Discipleship involves sharing . vv. 37-38
