The Cost of Discipleship and The Glory of Christ

 There is so much to say about the Scriptures. We will never squeeze them dry for wisdom, insight, and truth. Like a diamond, each time we gaze into the Gospel we see it’s beauty reflected back at as and all we have to do is turn the diamond to get a different reflection. We will never plumb its depths. So join us as we meditate on this passage in preparation for our coming Sunday gathering. In Mark 8:22-9:13, we witness significant moments where Jesus reveals His true identity, teaches about the cost of discipleship, and displays His glory before His chosen disciples. Let‘s dive in as we explore the depths of the Gospel and discover practical applications for our lives.

Gradual Revelation and Spiritual Sight
22And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25Then Jesusc laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

In the opening verses, Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida. Not only was this man’s life changed, but this miraculous act carries a profound symbolism as it represents the gradual revelation of spiritual truth. It reminds us that our understanding of God's truth and purpose unfolds over time. Being raised in a Christian home, my spiritual growth and insight often felt more like a dimmer switch turning a light on rather than a light switch flipping. Whenever I heard Christian speaker, the emphasis was often on this stupendous darkness to light moment and I never really related to that. But I relate with this passage. I was in darkness and that was always super clear, but Christ’s grace broke through my blindness and brought me into the light; yet it was not a simple process. Often, it felt more like a two, three, or four stage healing as opposed to a one and done.

Confession of Faith and Discipleship
27And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. 31And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”34And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever would save his lifed will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Moving forward, Jesus asks His disciples a crucial question: "Who do you say that I am?" Peter boldly responds, "You are the Christ (Messiah)." Jesus affirms Peter's confession, revealing His divine identity. This question now falls upon us: Who do we say Jesus is? Our understanding of His identity profoundly impacts our daily lives and choices. Take a moment to reflect on your confession of faith. How does it shape your life and the way you follow Christ?

Jesus continues His teaching, unveiling the path of discipleship. He speaks of His upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection, and this shocks the disciples. This was not the type of Messiah they expected! Peter, driven by misplaced concern, rebukes Jesus. However, Jesus firmly reminds them of the necessity to prioritize God's will above personal desires. This is what He is doing and they are to follow in His footsteps. He came to serve rather than be served. Nothing, not even Peter’s misplaced zeal will get in the way of this mission. True discipleship demands self-denial, taking up our cross, and following Christ wholeheartedly. Paul Miler’s book J-Curve has helped me immensely in understanding this and I reference it all the time.  Let's ponder: What are some ways we can demonstrate a willingness to deny ourselves and faithfully follow Jesus? Have you traced out the pattern of the Gospel in your life (crucifixion leading to resurrection)?

The Transfiguration and God's Glory
1And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” 2And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no onea on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi,b it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son;c listen to him.” 8And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. 9And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 11And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 12And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

Mark 9:1-13 takes us to the mountain where Jesus reveals His glory through the Transfiguration. We definitely do not have enough time to touch all of this, but this is an unbelievable moment. The veil is pulled back from Jesus’ humility and his divine nature is shown in a moment that Moses wished to see all the way back in Exodus when he begged to see God’s glory. There he saw only the back parts of God, here He sees God face to face in Jesus. With him is Elijah who was taken up in glory before ever tasting death. The two of them together symbolize the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). In this awe-inspiring moment, the disciples witness the divine authority and fulfillment of God's Word in Jesus. Words cannot express how incredibly awesome this passage is. The disciples never got over it and continually refer to it throughout the epistles. How does the glory of Christ displayed in the Transfiguration impact our understanding of His authority and message today?

Recognizing Messengers and Embracing God's Word
Concluding this passage, the disciples inquire about the return of Elijah. Jesus reveals that Elijah has already come in the form of John the Baptist. Among other things, this teaches us the importance of recognizing and accepting the messengers and messages God brings into our lives. Are we attentive to God's messengers today? How can we actively receive and respond to His Word?

As we reflect on this profound passage from Mark's Gospel, let us embrace the cost of discipleship, marvel at the glory of Christ, and respond wholeheartedly to His teachings. May we continuously seek to know Him more intimately and faithfully follow Him. May our lives reflect our confession of faith whether it was a light switch moment or a dimmer like mine was . Let us embark on this journey of discipleship, trusting that Christ will guide us every step of the way as we see the Gospel pattern shape our lives in moments of crucifixion and resurrection. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. How has your understanding of Jesus' identity impacted your daily life? What challenges do you face in denying yourself and following Him? Let us encourage and learn from one another as we seek to grow in our discipleship journey and prepare for our Sunday gathering.

Stay tuned for more inspiring reflections on the Gospel and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.