THE TURNING POINT OF JESUS’
MINISTRY
Mark 8:27-31
The hardest photo to take is an action shoot, especially if
one wants to get the climax of the action. It takes impeccable timing, as well
as focus. It also takes anticipation and planning. Mark captures the climax of
the turning point in the ministry of Christ in his Gospel. The turning point is
the confession of Peter.
This snapshot entails:
- A
blurry background. It was taken at Caesarea Philippi. This was outside
- The disciples present the popular view of the Jews concerning Jesus. Like people today they had many opinions—John the Baptist; Elijah; or one of the prophets. Today the answer might range from legend; a great miracle worker; or simply a fake.
- Personal confrontation—Who do YOU say I am? This question is not asked to the population, but to his own disciples. It is a test question for his own to answer. Jesus will always confront his own disciples with that question. Each of us as individuals must answer that for ourselves. Peter climbed to the heights of revelation and inspiration (Matt. 16:7). He declares you are the Messiah (Christ—the anointed one). Peter passed the test with a perfect score. The confession is the turning point in ministry. Up to this point, his ministry centered upon revealing who He was. Now with the climax of Peter’s confession, the ministry of Jesus turned to revealing His purpose—His suffering, death, and resurrection. The message of His person now turns to His passion (Mark 8:31). Up to this point Jesus had been silent about His suffering, death, and resurrection. Now for the first time He clearly alludes to his death. He declares that this was necessary—“He must” suffer. It speaks of a divine necessity.
But none of the
ransomed ever knew
How deep were the
waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the
night that the Lord passed thro’
Ere He found His
sheep that was lost.[1]
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