The Gospel of Mark (Part 27)

Date: 1 March 2026

Speaker: Justus Swart

In Mark 8:27–38, Jesus brings His disciples to a decisive moment by asking, “Who do you say that I am?” and when Peter confesses that He is the Christ, Jesus immediately corrects their expectations by teaching that the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and after three days rise again. When Peter rebukes Him, Jesus responds sharply, exposing how easily we can set our minds on the things of man rather than the things of God. Turning to the crowd, He makes it clear that this is not an advanced discipleship course but the entry-level call of Christianity: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus confronts the illusion of saving our lives on our own terms, reminding us that gaining the whole world is worthless if we forfeit our soul, and calling us to unashamed allegiance to Him in light of His coming glory.