On Sunday Pastor Ray brought the message from Mark 8:27-33: Who is Jesus

The declaration by Peter in Mark 8:29 that Jesus is the Messiah, comes from a growing awareness on the part of the disciples about who Jesus is.

In their journey to this new understanding, they saw how Jesus set a young girl free from the torment of a demon (Mark 7:24-30), how he healed a deaf and dumb man (Mark 7:31-37), and how he again provided for people in the feeding of the 4,000 (Mark 8:1-13).

Up to this point there was still confusion in their minds about just exactly who Jesus was. Perhaps the comments by Andrew Page on Mark 8:14-21, help us understand their dilemma and what was standing in their way:

In Mark 8:14-21, Jesus warns the disciples not to allow themselves to be influenced by the Pharisees and Herod. What does he mean?
We have seen that the Pharisees’ major mistake is that their traditions had become more important than the fresh Word of God.This is a constant danger for disciples.

And what does Jesus mean by the yeast of Herod? The extended story of the beheading of John the Baptist in Mark 6:17-20 tells us that Herod enjoyed listening to John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man (20). But then he makes his rash promise to Herodias’ daughter, who then, urged on by her mother, demands John’s head (25). Immediately we read this: The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her (26).

The yeast of Herod is to disobey the word of God out of fear of how others may react if we obey it. So we have here a key part of the training of the disciples: Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod (8:15). Our own traditions and our fear of others can prevent us from being faithful followers of Jesus.

• May we too be like the disciples where we become totally convinced that Jesus really is the King of kings.
• May all our traditions and fears of what others might think about our faith, bow the knee to his overwhelming presence and majesty.
• May He rule and reign in our hearts and in our church.
• May we work to see His Kingdom come on earth.
• May we be praying .. even so, come Lord Jesus.

God bless
Ray