GO SPORT
Study 5
Mark 8:27-38
It can take some time to get to know someone when they first join our club or team. We firstly see how good they are at their sport, before over time, we get to know more about them: their likes and dislikes, how they respond in different situations and how they treat people.
As we’ve been looking at Jesus, you’ve seen what he did and what he said. At this stage – what is your opinion of Jesus?
Ready
We’re now half way through Mark’s account and we’ve seen much of Jesus’ teaching and miracles. Here we come to a major climax where we find out what Jesus’ closest friends thought about who he was.
Set
Read Mark 8:27-30
1. Jesus’ question is direct. Why do you think Jesus often teaches about himself more than about what we should do?
Peter calls him ‘the Messiah.’ Messiah means ‘anointed one’ and refers to how Jewish kings would be anointed with oil. This term refers to God’s promised king who would come to save his people.
2. The people were expecting God’s chosen king to rule powerfully and lead with authority. They were waiting for major political deliverance. How had this expectation shaped their answers to who Jesus was, in verse 28?
3. Mark has already told us that Peter is right (Mark 1:1) but Jesus warns them to keep it secret. Why do you think Jesus would do this?
Jesus now begins to say some pretty difficult and troubling things.
Read Mark 8:31-33
4. A King who comes and dies seems quite shameful and confusing. From all that we’ve seen, why do you think Jesus had to die?
5. Jesus often talks about his death and resurrection. What do these two events ultimately tell us about Jesus and who he is?
Read Mark 8:34-38
6. What do you make of Jesus’ instruction here?
7. Jesus then says “what good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” What do you make of this claim from Jesus?
Go
8. Who do you say Jesus is?
9. If Peter is right about Jesus’ identity as the rescuer and ruler of the world – how should we respond?