- Reading: Mark 8 vv 27 – 38
- Address: The first announcement of the passion makes it clear that Jesus doesn't want his disciples to come under false pretences
- He never asked them to come on a picnic
- Suffering, the cross and death were in plain view
- Unless we see that clearly, we miss the glory of the gospel Jesus spoke plainly of the cost of discipleship
- Many times we do not follow his frankness, mumbling his words
- John Bowering puts it this way: "When the sun of bliss is beaming, light and love upon my way. From the cross the radiant streaming adds more lustre to the day"
