15: Peter’s Confession and Beyond (Mark 8:22 – 9:1)

Finally, Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah. However, his understanding of the Messiah was limited to human expectations. Thus, Jesus revealed what the Messiah would do.

πŸ‘‰ Read Mark 8:22 - 9:1

Q1. Jesus took the blind man (            ) of the village. He healed the man by spitting and placing his hands on the eyes. And his sight was restored in (            ) stages. And Jesus asked the man not to enter the (             ).

Outside, two, village

Jesus took him outside the village not to let the healing be seen publically in the village. After the confrontation with the Pharisees regarding the elders’ traditions, Jesus paid a special caution for his healing miracles not to be seen by the public. (7:24, 33, 8:23, 26) Especially for this town of Bethsaida, Jesus rebuked their unrepentant hearts despite many miracles. (Matt 11:21).


Q2. In the village of (                  ), Jesus asked his disciples about his identity. Peter said, “You are the (            ).” 

Caesarea Philippi, Christ

Caesarea Phillippi was built to honor the Roman Emperor Caesar. The city was full of statues of pagan deities and the emperor. 

Jesus warned them not to let the people know Jesus was Christ because people’s understanding of Christ was wrong, and thus, the disclosure to the public would hinder Jesus’ crucifixion.


Q3. When Jesus announced his death and resurrection, Peter rebuked Jesus of such a plan. What was Jesus’ response to Peter?

"Get behind me, Satan. You are not setting your mind on God’s interests but on man’s."

Unless we continuously focus on God’s will, we will find ourselves blocking Jesus’ way. 

Wasn’t it Peter who confessed Jesus Christ? Yes, his confession was authentic, but his understanding of the Messiah was from human desire. Peter wanted Jesus to restore the nation Israel from Rome. However, Jesus Christ came to restore God’s children from the dominion of Sin and Death, a.k.a. Satan. Peter’s eyes were opened to recognize Christ, but not enough to see the greater vision of God's kingdom.

Therefore, the two-stage healing doesn’t mean Jesus’ lack of ability. It symbolizes the two-stage confession of faith or spiritual growth. 

Knowing Jesus’ power and confessing Jesus as Savior is the first stage. But you shouldn't stay in this first stage of faith. Otherwise, you might end up in a situation where Jesus rebukes you, 'Satan, get behind of me.' You need to grow to the second stage of faith.

Devoting your life and admitting the way of the cross the way of life for you to follow is the second stage. Once you submit your life to Jesus' way, your spiritual eyes are fully opened, and you can see everything clearly.


Q4. After Jesus announced the works of Christ, He told them what is to follow Christ. “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must (              ), take up the (         ), and (         ) me.” Self-denial is to put down your (            ) for Jesus (35). And taking up the cross is not to be (             ) of Jesus and His ways (38) 

Deny himself, cross, follow, life, ashamed



Do you confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord? Do you proudly like to be called a Christian and willingly follow the way of Jesus? Then, your eyes are fully healed to see everything clearly.


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