First Baptist Church of New Holland PA

MARK 8:27-38 – TURNING POINT

Turning points for people in Scripture:

• David anointed king – 1 Samuel 16:13
• Isaiah’s vision of Jesus – Isaiah 6:1-8
• Paul’s conversion – Acts 9:3-6, 15

Through various books in the Bible, we have been sharing that It’s All About Jesus! The Book we’ve used the most is the Gospel of Mark. We have reached a half point in the Book. And we come to a turning point.

In his previous chapters, Mark tells us about Jesus presenting Himself to Israel. While not saying He was God’s anointed one, the Messiah, His teaching and many miracles certainly pointed towards that fact.

Now, at this turning point, Jesus begins to point His disciples to His future suffering on the cross, and what it means to truly follow him. The disciples, like most of Israel, were looking for a political Messiah, one who would free them from Roman domination and restore Israel to greatness. Jesus as Messiah will accomplish this when He returns the second time to establish His kingdom.

This passage should also be turning point for us. We must make sure we understand who Jesus is and what He expects of those who claim Him as Lord and Savior.

MARK 8:27-38 – TURNING POINT – 2

Vs. 27 – Jesus took his disciples 25 miles north of where they were to the region of Caesarea-Philippi, a largely Gentile area, where Jesus probably had more privacy to prepare his disciples for His suffering for their sins and ours.

Little did the disciples know that they were at a turning point.  Perhaps you are at a turning point this morning.

• Vs. 27 – Jesus asks, “What’s the Word on the Street?” or “What are people sayings about my identity?” or “Who do they think I am?”
• Vs. 28 – The biggest question, was not what do the crowds think, but what do you think. “Who do you say that I am?” Crucial for us, as well! 1 John 5:11-12
• Vs. 29 – Matthew 15:16-17 – Peter spoke for all the disciples. Is that your confession along with your faith that Jesus died for your sins and rose again?                                1 Corinthians 15:3-4, John 3:16
• Vs. 30 – It wasn’t time for a public revelation.

JESUS ISSUES PERSONAL CORRECTION – Mark 8:31-33

• Vs. 31 – Isaiah 53:4-6,
• Vs. 32 – Peter wanted a Messiah on his own terms.
• Vs. 33 – Rebuke needed. Peter his priorities mixed up. Often we do too!

JESUS GIVES PERSONAL CONDITIONS - Mark 8:34-38

(For being a true disciple.) 2 Corinthians 5:17

• Vs. 34 – Warren Wiersbe – “Denying self is not the same as self-denial. We practice self-denial when, for a good purpose, we occasionally give up things or activities. But we deny self when we surrender ourselves to Christ and determine to obey His will.” (The Bible Exposition Commentary)
• Vs. 35 – Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
• Vss. 36-37 – Faithful Discipleship is proof of conversion.
• Vs. 38 – Romans 1:16-17