The warning of this part of Mark 8 is that even if we have "the right answer" we may still "get it wrong." Peter gave Jesus the correct title: "You are the Christ." (8:29) There is a certainty in Peter's declaration. He does not ask, "Are you the Christ?" and he does not say, "I think you are the Christ." He says, "You are the Christ." Peter is certain.
And Jesus does not tell him that he is wrong.
Peter has become convinced of a very profound truth. Jesus is not just a prophet. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus is the one who will save people from their sins and restore the presence of God among the people of God. This is big news! And Peter names it correctly.
But Peter immediately turns around and demonstrates that he really has no idea what it means for Jesus to be the Christ. After receiving Peter's declaration, Jesus explains what the Messiah's work will look like. Peter disagrees, and he tries to correct Jesus. "Get behind me, Satan," Jesus says to Peter. "You are not setting your mind on God's interests but mans's." (8:33)
It is a curious case of getting the right answer but getting the application of that answer wrong.
How often do we do the same thing? How often do we know the right answers about God, about Jesus, about the Holy Spirit, and about the church? And how often do we mess up the application? We speak of love and are unloving. We speak of forgiveness and harbor bitterness. We talk of justice but are only interested in it for ourselves.Do not be overly proud of right answers, but strive for right action. It is in the action that our faith is seen. "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." (8:34) Faith is in the following.
Prayerfully consider your answer to Jesus' question: Who do you say that I am?
And prayerfully consider what that answer looks like in the application to your life.
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