Genesis to Revelation: Mark Participant Book by Hutchinson Orion N.;

Author:Hutchinson, Orion N.;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: 2018-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

DIMENSION THREE: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE MEAN TO ME?

Mark 8:34–9:1—Triumph and Tragedy

This chapter brings us the picture of triumph and tragedy as the two rhythms in the life of Jesus. Jesus has had an amazing ministry to the multitudes as well as to individuals and his disciples. Yet the tragedy of spiritual blindness and immaturity, the plotting against him, and the dismal predictions of worse to come are all around Jesus. The thrilling confession of Peter that Jesus is the Messiah and the costly invitation of Jesus to whomever will walk in self-surrender to follow him form the crescendo in the middle of Mark’s narrative. The cymbals crash at the moment of Peter’s confession; but the solemn, hushed notes of the cello immediately follow as Jesus outlines what it will mean to be Son of Man. Yet he invites us to dare to join him. What is the cause of the conflict between Peter and Jesus?

Contrary to what we often think, the cross that Jesus invites us to take up is not forced on us. Our cross is not life’s misfortunes: illness, responsibility for others, physical disabilities, limited resources. Rather, the cross of which Jesus speaks is one we take up. We could avoid it; we do not have to bear it. Yet in spite of that option we walk over to where it is; on our own volition we pick it up; and then we carry it, sacrificially, if need be, just as Jesus sacrificed his life on his cross. Our cross is personal, uniquely suited to our own distaste. It hurts me; it involves a sacrifice by me; it is carried by me because of what it can mean to someone else. Yet the cross is the way redemption comes to me and others.

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