Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 2:5 "And did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly..."
Day 185 – Mark 8
“And did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly…” 2 Peter 2:5
A SUBTLE SHIFT IN MINISTRY FOCUS
Jesus had special reasons why He did not want great multitudes to throng Him with urgent requests for healing. One of the special reasons was that Jesus’ ministry on earth was drawing to a close. He had to make a subtle shift to His ministry on earth. The work that He was going to leave behind must be entrusted to Disciples who must become far more equipped than they were.
IMPORTANT TIME OUT AT CAESAREA PHILIPPI
One of the most important teaching sessions that Jesus had with His Disciples took place at Caesarea Philippi.
“Now Jesus and His Disciples went out to the towns of
Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples,
saying to them, ‘Who do men say that I am?'”
MARK 8:27
How discerning were the Disciples on this issue? Did they have an ear on the ground? What had they heard from the people they ministered to?
THE VOICE OF THE MULTITUDES
The Disciples replied well. They had been in touch with the crowds. They must have asked the multitudes what they thought about Jesus.
“So they answered, ‘John the Baptist;
but some say, Elijah;
and others, one of the prophets.'”
MARK 8:28
1. Mixed responses
How undiscerning the multitudes were! If they were that unsure, why had they not sought to clarify their doubts?
2. Unclear and uncertain knowledge
a) How could Jesus have been confused with John the Baptist?
b) How could Jesus be equated with Elijah?
c) How could Jesus be mistaken for “one of the prophets”?
3. Did the Disciples help the multitudes with their doubts?
It was painfully apparent that the Disciples had not been able to help the multitudes to come to the truth with reference to the true identity of Jesus. Nothing could be more important than knowing that Jesus was none of the above. He was far greater! He was the Messiah, the Son of God who had come to offer them redemption.