Tag: Satan’s deception
A Godly mindset!
Scripture reading for February 19: Mark 8
“And He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered Him, “You are the Christ.” And He strictly charged them to tell no one about Him. And 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. And He said this plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But 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.”” Mark 8:29-33
At the core of our world view is our settled opinion about Jesus Christ. Jesus drew out His disciples as He asked them, “Who do people say that I am?” Most world-views are shaped by peer pressure. Everyone has an opinion, even if they have not really done research or know someone personally. The people of that culture and time had various estimates of Jesus. Some said He was John the Baptist come back to life after his beheading. Others though He might be the prophet Elijah or one of the other Old Testament prophets. But Jesus was wanting them to state what they really thought after spending time with Him and participating in His ministry of preaching, healing and deliverance.
“Who do you say that I am?” was the key question for them and for us today. Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ,” was a godly mindset. After this great confession by Peter on behalf of all the disciples, Jesus began to tell them of the coming rejection by the elders of Israel and the crucifixion and ultimately the resurrection after three days. Peter quickly rebuked Jesus as this did not fit with his understanding of Jesus as the ‘Christ’! Jesus had to rebuke Satan who used Peter, and subsequently Peter, for allowing the mindset of the world to over-ride the revelation of God’s redemptive work through suffering on the cross.
Have you allowed others opinions of Jesus Christ to shape your world view? Who do you say that Jesus is? How do you react to the story of Jesus’ virgin birth, sinless life, crucifixion for sinners, and resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for revealing Jesus Christ, Your Son to me and all who will humbly seek to know who He is. As I ponder the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, settle Your Son in me as my Lord and Savior. Use me to share these truths with others. Amen.