March 2, 2021
But Who Do You Say That I Am?
As Israel camps in the plains of Moab, Moses makes his last preparations of the people before passing his leadership to Joshua. The Lord instructs him to avenge the treachery committed by Balaam in Numbers 25, as leading Israel away from the Lord was punishable by death.
In Numbers 25, Balaam, a sorcerer hired by the Midianites, comes up with a scheme to undermine the strength of Israel’s dependence on the Lord. Because he cannot curse Israel, he recommends that the women of Moab and Midian tempt Israel into sexual sin that amounts to Baal worship. Israel is punished for its apostasy immediately but now has come the time for Midian to face the consequences of its actions.
After the conflict, Moses grows frustrated with the leaders of Reuben and Gad for taking their eyes off the Promised Land. He likens their negotiating to the sin of the previous generation for doubting the Lord after the spies’ report in Numbers 14. Moses agrees to a compromise, though their lack of trust in God’s promise sets an ominous tone for the future.
And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” - Mark 8:29
At the very center of the Gospel of Mark, the story reveals its central message: that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God.
Up to this point, Jesus has demonstrated His authority through miracles and sound teaching. His disciples have a limited understanding of who He is, as illustrated by the blind man healed at Bethsaida. When Jesus first lays his hands on him, he can see vaguely but lacks the full picture. After Jesus lays his hands a second time, he sees Jesus clearly.
Like this blind man, Jesus’ disciples partly understand his identity as the Messiah. But when Jesus explains to them He must be a suffering servant, die, and rise again, they fail to understand and object in protest. Jesus teaches them the true cost of discipleship for anyone who follows Him.
Make It Personal
- For those of us who are in Christ, our sin is forgiven and we are under no condemnation (Romans 8:1). But Scripture also warns us not to continue in sin (Romans 6), but to confess and repent to God and trusted friends (James 5:16). Is there any sin that the Holy Spirit is bringing to mind that you need to confess to a trusted friend today?
- Who do you say that Jesus is? Do you have a vague idea like the blind man in Mark 8:24? How does understanding that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, change your life?