READING 18

  1. Read the headings in Mark 8:27-9:1.

  2. Find Caesarea Philippi on the map.

  3. Highlight verses 29, 31, 33, and 34-36 of chapter 8.

  4. Read Mark 8:27-9:1.

  5. Consider the following questions.

If someone should ask you who Jesus is, what would you say?


How can Peter be so right (confessing that Jesus is the Christ - 8:29) and yet so wrong (even called "Satan" - 8:32-33)?  If you can answer this question, does it perhaps help you understand why Jesus ordered the disciples not to tell anyone about him (8:30)?

FYI: Jesus prophecy about his death in 8:31 is his first Passion prediction.  (He predicts his death again in 9:31 and 10:33-34.)  Keep in mind, however, what happened to John the Baptist (6:14-29) and look again at 3:6.  Should Jesus' prediction of his death have come as a surprise to the disciples?


What is the essential difference between "divine things" and "human things" that Peter has failed to understand? (8:33)


In 8:34, what three things does Jesus say are involved in becoming a follower of him?
1Let them _______ themselves and 2______ up their _______ and 3______ me.
Which of these three is the hardest for you to do?