We can all relate to ole Peter. In this message from Mark 8, Pastor Joey looks at Peter's extraordinary confession of Christ. It's the apex of Mark's gospel as it pinpoints the mission of the book (1:1) and the gospel. But the very next minute, Peter rebukes Jesus and is scolded by Him. Why? It's the scandal of the cross, of course! Like the disciples, we have these preconceived notions of Jesus and attempt to fit Him in our neat little box (as evidenced by our complacency, comfort, and general lack of obedience). But Jesus won't be backed into some narrow view of the Messiah. The "Son of Man" (Daniel 7) was always meant to be the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). There is no crown without the Cross! The Gospel of Suffering demands that we, like Jesus, die. Whereas we don't have to physically die for our sin, we do have to die to our self, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus. This is the scandal of the Cross! Message preached on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at ParkerDC as part of the #MarkSeries.
