Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 2:6a "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes..."
Day 186 – Mark 8
“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes…” 2 Peter 2:6a
THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISCIPLES
The opinions of the multitudes did not come as a surprise. But what about the Disciples? How did they understand Jesus?
“He said to them, ‘But who do you say I am?’
Peter answered and said to Him, ‘You are the Christ.'”
MARK 8:29
Peter volunteered the answer without hesitation. He was convinced that Jesus was indeed no ordinary man. He was none other than “the Christ” (The Messiah).
EVERYTHING POINTED TO THE MESSIANIC IDENTITY OF CHRIST
How did Peter (and his fellow disciples) come to this conclusion? The following things must have caused Peter to confess Jesus as the Christ.
1. The authority of Jesus
a) Displayed in His teaching Mark 1:22
b) Displayed in His power to cast out demons Mark 1:27
c) Displayed in His power to forgive sins Mark 2:3-12
d) Displayed in His empowering of the Disciples Mark 3:14-15
2. The Power that Jesus displayed over the elements
a) Stilling of a storm Mark 4:36-40
b) Walking on water Mark 6:48-51
3. The Power to perform countless miracles
a) Healing of the sick Mark 1:32
b) Raising of the dead Mark 5:38-43
c) Feeding of the multitude Mark 6:37-44; 8:1-9
4. The revelation of God
Jesus noted that this insight of Peter did not come solely from observation. God the Father had specially given this understanding to Peter (Cf. Matthew 16:17). The revelation of God confirmed for Peter that Jesus was indeed the Christ!