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Answering Jesus' Most Important Question......MARK 8:27-33
INTRO: Have you ever been asked an embarrassing question? I was asked once by a fish and game officer, “may I see your fishing license? I didn’t have it on my person and even more embarrassing was when I went to the van to get it, I find that it had expired.
Maybe a policeman stopped you and ask, Do you know why I stopped you? The best answer would be “NO” because any other answer may tell him something he doesn’t already know. Or how about, where is the fire?
But, really these are all unimportant questions. Today, I want you to think of the most important question you ever been asked.“Will you marry me? Are you saved?
Our text contains what may be the most important question Jesus ever asked His disciples. It is a question each of us must answer before we can make a decision to give our lives completely to Jesus Christ.
Who is Jesus Christ? Not just who is Jesus Christ, but who is Jesus Christ to you?
If we look at the background, Jesus is at the peak of His popularity. Crowds are following Him. But, the cross is ahead of Him.
He is about to start intensive training of the apostles. Success or failure of His mission on earth depends on His ability to impress others with the truth about Himself. Brothers and Sisters, the world must know He is God. SO! He asks a general question; “Who do men say I am?” Then He becomes personal: “Who do you think I am?”
1. THE ANSWER: “You are the Christ.” Correct, but not in line with expectations. The Christ means “Messiah,” The Anointed One,” in context refers to one chosen to be king. He is king, but not just a king. He is the King of kings.
For centuries the Jews had expected a great political, military leader. It had to be hard for Peter to change his mind, and admit his forefathers had been wrong. Jesus flew in face of revered tradition.
2. STARTLING NEW TRUTH:
The Messiah is a Carpenter, not Conqueror, He is a Servant, not Sovereign, He is Teacher, not Warrior, He is a Healer rather than Combatant.
Ancient prophecies are fulfilled in Him.(Matt. 12:19-21) “He will not quarrel nor cry out. Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break. And smoking flax He will not quench.
Till He sends forth justice to victory; And in His name Gentiles will trust,” WHY? In verse 30, are the disciples warned not to tell anyone? Brothers and Sisters, sharing new insights is a common human desire. They would be eager for this task.
CERTAINLY, He wanted others to know, but they are not ready for that task yet. Brothers and Sisters, we have people who are not ready for Jesus Christ. It’s not enough to know who He is. There is another essential lesson to learn. And only Jesus can teach that lesson.
3. BEING CHRIST: Will involve great suffering VV.31-33.
Every worthwhile cause exacts its price in toil, and suffering. Jesus paid a heavy price for our redemption.
Those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior, they feel great joy; but that joy will not be unmixed. When we see what Jesus paid on Calvary.
The writer of Hebrews tells us the purpose of His suffering and the joy that follow. The disciples didn’t understand this. Peter begins to rebuke Jesus for such suggestion. The suggestion He should avoid suffering is satanic. This was hard for Jesus to hear from a friend. Temptation usually comes from unexpected sources.
Brothers and Sisters, we serve a suffering Savior. We should not expect our service to always be cheap and easy. Confessing Christ may call for suffering, and self sacrifice. So Christ calls us to take up our cross. The cross means service, loyalty, even suffering for Jesus Christ.
There if great dignity in rising above self, sharing in the suffering of Christ Jesus. In denying self, we find true selfhood and become Christlike.
REMEMBER! He doesn’t ask us to make any sacrifice He has not already made.
INCLOSING: ‘Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’ Is not a statement we make, it is acknowledgment of a powerful, costly truth.
We must not merely say it with our lips. We must be ready to back it with our lives.
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