Second Sunday in Lent: Gospel, Mark 8:27-38             

Mark 8:27-38

Three times Jesus teaches His closest disciples of His impending death. In Mark those times come in rapid succession in chapters 8-10. And after each time Jesus spends time teaching about the ongoing life and living of a disciple. I make a distinction between the two because I take “life” in this view as a category of sorts and “living” is a process. That’s just my take. But it helps me.

Jesus has challenged His band with questions regarding His identity and then WHAM! He exposes the greatest obstacle to their hopefulness by unveiling the horror ahead. Peter challenges him immediately. And even though Jesus offers a stern rebuke, there is something in me that cheers when Peter stands to oppose the death of his friend. My mind races ahead here, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Remember?

Three times Jesus announces His upcoming death. Three times Peter will deny knowing the Deliverer. Three times Jesus will assign His own shepherding care through the impetuous fisherman whom He has fully forgiven. In the meantime, Jesus will teach all His followers about their call to lose their lives even while living and that the world He offers is so worth the sacrifice.

Death, forgiveness, renewal, yes even life comes through the tree erected just outside the great city. And the life given for and to Peter and for us is ever to be used to extend the reach of the cross.