17th Sunday after Pentecost Mark 8:27-38

Context

This text comes near the midpoint of the Gospel of Mark, and its central narrative position is more than matched by its pivotal thematic content. Jesus has turned from his focus on ministry in Galilee and its surrounding regions, and is beginning his final journey to Jerusalem. As he makes this transition, his true identity starts to come into clearer focus (we have the confession of Jesus as Messiah, and the following passage brings his Transfiguration), the first open statement of the suffering and death that awaits him, and an expression of the gravity of discipleship.

Preaching Angles

Misunderstanding the Messianic Mission

This passage begins with an exploration of mistaken…

1. What might it look like for you to “take up your cross”? Is a lack of suffering a sign of unfaithfulness?

2. What are some false ideas about Jesus that you have encountered? What are some ways that you have impressed your own desires and preconceptions onto Jesus?

3. Can you think of a time when you were misled by a partial truth? What made it so…