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Sermon for 9-13-2015 Mark 8: 27-38 Take up Cross and “Get Thee Behind Me, Satan”

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Sermon for 9-13-2015 Mark 8: 27-38 Take up Cross and “Get Thee Behind Me, Satan” Sermon for 9-13-2015 Mark 8: 27-38 take up cross and “get thee behind me, Satan” Mark shares with us one of the most powerful messages of Jesus’ ministry. There are many teachings in this text. I will limit our meditation to the call to follow Jesus. We do have to remember that the context of Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah in v.27 is the foundation of all that follows. The other point of remembrance is that this passage is the first prediction of his death and resurrection. Now we proceed to our reflection on this passage. Jesus tells the crowd and the disciples the trip to Jerusalem will not go as the disciples expect. Jesus introduces a totally foreign concept, the longed-Messiah will suffer and die. Even more shocking is that this anointed one will die a death on a cross. This is an earth-shaking statement from Jesus, their leader. No wonder that Peter is aghast and pulls Jesus aside to correct him. Peter’s reaction is understandable on two points. The first is that the Messiah or Christ is supposed to come and rescue Israel from Roman oppression. The location in Caesarea Philippi is telling. This Gentile city was famous for its temple to Pan. The disciples see in their mind’s eyes that the Messiah would destroy such insulting worship and temples in all of Israel. Second, the use of the word “Messiah or Christ” for anyone other than Caesar could lead to an arrest for treason. The disciples were aware as were most citizens that they were under constant observation by the Romans. As we know Jesus was much more intentional in proclaiming his role as Anointed One from God. Last but not least the idea, much less the actual event of a crucifixion, was more than they could take. While the disciples were reeling from the shock of Jesus’ words, Jesus continues to challenge them even more. If you want to follow me, then you will take up the cross as well. The act of following comes with a cost. You will lose your life. You will be willing to lose everything that you hold dear. Our world will turn upside down. A brief note about the word, “life”, used here. The concept denotes more than life. The word history refers to the core of our very being. Jesus is talking about everything we hold dear that makes life worth living. This deepest level of our being is at risk in our path of discipleship. Only when we give up our most cherished things, then we are ready to begin the path of discipleship. We find our true identity and meaning in our relationship with him. This is the way of the cross. This passage has been called the “Heart of the Gospel”. The suffering Messiah is the paradox of God’s interaction with the world that he created and loves. God declares that he is at work at in the unexpected events. The crucified Messiah is the scandal to the Jews and the stumbling block to the Gentiles. We are included in those who have difficulty in finding God in the cross of Jesus. Where do you find God? Mark tells us that we find God there. This is the mystery of the Cross and our salvation. Now we must remember that God does not expect us to seek suffering or to believe that we are saved because we suffer. This misinterpretation of the text has led to much abuse in the history of the Church. We are saved by the undeserved love of God. Our distress occurs as we follow the cross, not as our goal in life. In Mark’s Gospel Jesus moves from the Teacher and Healer to the Suffering Messiah. This is the message of the Good News of Jesus’ life. The depth of the call from Jesus is not attainable by us. In all of the Gospels Jesus never gives up on the disciples who never get it right. Jesus predicts his death and resurrection two more times in the Gospels. The disciples never get it right. Jesus continues to love and teach them. Maybe his patience and care are the Grace of God that comes to us in our failed attempts to follow him. May the Cross continue to guide us and remind us of the mystery of salvation. .
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