Mark 8:27-38

Many preachers will focus on the questions of Jesus, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ and ‘who do you say that I am?’ but the real question of the text is ‘Who are we?’ We are past the misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus’ Messiahship. We understand his suffering. The real question lies in our own discipleship.

Are we willing to stand firm for God’s kingdom, even at the risk of losing our life? Jesus chose to stand within God’s kingdom in the face of the political and religious powers of his day, powers he knew would not only oppose him, but take his earthly life.

If we are not willing to witness for the kingdom in favor of potential rewards from secular powers, we lose our life anyway. The values of God’s kingdom are frequently contrary to the values promoted by secular interests. In the kingdom, all people are valued, justice prevails, and there is a preference for the welfare of others. Those values are often challenged by power, control, and selfish disregard for others.

Jesus shares with his disciples that he will die at the hands of Rome and the Jewish leaders. He also proclaims that the power of God’s kingdom will be evident the third day in his resurrection. Disciples are those who are willing to lose their life for the sake of God’s kingdom and they will ultimately save their life.

Who are we? Heros? Or Disciples?

Saint Paul's UMC
Papillion, NE

(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)