—Mark 8:27-38— Jesus teaches that He must suffer and die and calls upon His disciples to follow Him in the same.
Jesus and the Disciples are at Caesarea Philippi. Peter had confessed Jesus as the Christ. Thereupon Jesus explains to His disciples that as the Messiah He must go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. This did not fit into Peter’s conception of the Messiah and, therefore, he rebukes Jesus. Jesus sees this as a temptation not to go to the cross. He turns down the temptation by seeing Satan in Peter. Then, in the second part of the lesson (verses 34-38), Jesus explains to both disciples and people that they, too, are to take the way of the cross that involves denial, suffering, and sacrifice.
Jesus reminds his disciples, “After three days I will rise again.” Jesus tags this on to the end of the distressing forecast: suffering, rejection, death. As a kind of postscript Jesus adds that he will rise again. It seems to detract from the dreadfulness of the cross. Sometimes we wish it were not there because it seems to detract from the passion of Lent. It belongs to Easter and we are not ready for it now. On the other hand, it is a most important phrase, for it tells us how it is going to end. We can, therefore go through Lent with its sorrow and pain in a joyful spirit of hope. We can endure the pain for the joy of ultimate victory.
In telling his coming passion Jesus spoke “plainly.” He was honest, frank and pulled no punches. He told it as it was going to be. Heretofore, Jesus taught primarily in parables. He let his hearers decide what he meant. Now there must be nu misunderstand. He, the Christ, is going to suffer shame, suffering and death. That is plain talk.
The rugged cross means a rugged way of life for a follower of Christ. The Christian style of life is a hard life. Jesus’ life consisted of sorrow, rejection, suffering, and death. His followers can expect no less. The Christian life has a cross at its center. John Donne said, “No cross is so extreme, as to have none. There is no gain without pain.” President Truman had a sign on his desk: “Bring me only bad news. Good news weakens me.”
In Tom Sawyer Clemens wrote, “He had discovered a great law of human action, without knowing it – namely, that in orders to make a man or a boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to obtain.[1]
A Prayer
in times of temptation: Almighty and everlasting God, through Your
Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our
hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily needs, and especially in all time
of temptation we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your
Word, obtain all that You have promised; through the same Jesus Christ, our
Lord.[2]
One year ago today, Life Care Center, Kirkland, WA reported the first Covid-19 death in the United States. There has been much challenge and change these past twelve months. Today may each us take the time to pause, reflect and return to our Lord with our petitions and prayers.
Merciful God, hear our fervent prayer for all who suffer from the corona-virus.
May those who are infected receive the proper treatment and the comfort of Your healing presence. Look with compassion on the sorrowful condition of Your children who suffer because of this pandemic; relieve the pain of the sick; give strength to those who care for them; welcome into Your peace those who have died; and, throughout this time of tribulation, grant that we may all find comfort in Your merciful love.
May their caregivers, families and neighbors be shielded from the onslaught of this disease. Give solace to those who grieve the loss of loved ones. Protect and guide those who strive to find a cure, that their work may conquer the disease and restore communities to wholeness and health.
Help us to rise above fear. We ask all this through the merits and mercies of Christ our Savior. Grant, Lord, that the course of this world may be so governed by Your direction that Your church may rejoice in serving You in godly peace and quietness.
[1] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John R Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima OH
[2] A Prayer in times of temptation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Illustration The Crucifixion, from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, The Book of Books in Pictures. Copyright © WLS permission granted for personal and congregational use. .
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