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by Sandy Shaw
Many people had been looking for a political Saviour to set them from the rule of the Romans, but Jesus Christ, the Son of God had come to set people free from sin and self. Many today would want to be set free from certain political rulers, no matter where we live.
“We do not much like the present government but if we get a change we will like the next one!” How often has that been said? That is not the answer and never will be.
Thinking of that song, “We have a King who rides a donkey, and His Name is Jesus.” That is the King – the Lord – the Saviour – we so need – He who is King in the Kingdom of God.
We are in Mark Chapter 8 at verse 27 where Jesus is confronting His disciples with a challenging question and Peter answers, “You are the Christ”.
The Christ – it means anointed – and kings were anointed – for service and leadership – but this King was also anointed for death.
“I am a King but a King going to a Cross – and if you want to follow Me you will have to come to the cross too.
The Christ must suffer and be killed – and rise again.
Peter began to rebuke Jesus, and Jesus had to deal with Peter. Jesus does not mind if, at times, we become angry with Him, or challenge what He says, provided we are open and willing to be corrected by Him, where necessary.
The enemy comes in very deceptive ways – not with horns – nor dressed in red – nor like a little black imp. We would recognise that appearance.
Jesus makes everything so very clear. Jesus accepts the title – Messiah – anointed King – but Peter finds the consequences difficult – and no wonder.
These disciples were not expecting this type of king, and Peter emerges as a kind of spokesman!
We are called to be witnesses and give testimony and even a spokesman in certain situations – like Peter – but we have to be cautious and careful.
Pride can arise out of our spiritual successes – Peter has just said – “You are the Christ”. The Father had revealed this to Peter. Did Peter think he had arrived at this tremendous conviction, by his own ability?
Verse 34 to 38 – Jesus spells it out so clearly and positively, It will be a tough life to be a Christian. We have to count the cost. In the world you will have tribulation.
Jesus is saying – I am not like the type of King you were expecting.
The Son of Man must suffer – MUST suffer.
We read of this in Daniel & verses 13,14, and we have this prophesied in Isaiah Chapters 43,44 and 53.
The Messiah was supposed to come and defeat evil and injustice and make everything right – how could HE defeat evil and injustice by suffering and dying.
The word ‘MUST’ implies that Jesus is planning to die a significant death – and Jesus is going to do it voluntarily.
Peter rebukes Jesus. This is the word used elsewhere for what Jesus does to demons. Peter is condemning Jesus in the strongest possible language.
Jesus must suffer – must be rejected – must be killed – must be resurrected.
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.” (Hebrews 9 verse 22)
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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