Mark 8:11-26 As Mark continues his gospel of Jesus, the Son of God, he tells of yet another contentious interaction with the Pharisees. They long for a sign, proof that they would be willing to accept who Jesus really was. Jesus is dismayed by their request - which demonstrates a hardness and rejection of the truth about him, he is the Son of God. The spiritual blindness of the Pharisees was a danger for the disciples and is a danger for believers today. Jesus challenges the disciples not be spiritually blind, like the Pharisees. Jesus challenges his disciples to genuinely hear and understand all that he was and is. Do you understand who Jesus is?
The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.
