Mark 8:27-30 - Peter's Confession of Faith

Mark 8:27-30
27 Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” 29 And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter *answered and *said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And He warned them to tell no one about Him.

Message: Peter's Confession of Faith

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface: Jesus is now in Bethsaida, a community believed to be north of the Sea of Galilee, perhaps near where the feeding of the 5,000 were. But a community not necessarily filled with a lot of belief but rather question. Jesus heals a blind man, outside the City, in a progressive manner, not all at once. He reminds me that his healing in his time, in his way.

From Bethsaida, Jesus now heads to Caesarea Philippi, a 32-mile round trip, so not a quick jaunt, but a long trip lasting multiple days. Others have said it is a 25-mile trip, climbing elevation. This text is about that journey and one of the things that was discussed on that journey.

Jesus asks 2 simple questions: Who do people say that I am? and Who do you say that I am? The response was that the first century Jews placed Jesus in the same class as the greatest prophets, John the Baptist and Elijah. 


And then the contrasting question is mentioned directly to the disciples and the response is was that Jesus was not merely a prophet, but the Christ, the Jewish Messiah. Earlier they had been questioned by Jesus for having a hardened heart, so their is a progression that has occurred in their understanding of Him as the Christ.

Early Rabbis recognized all of these passages as referring to the Messiah.

• Messiah was to be born at Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 (Micah 5:1 in Hebrew Bible)
• Messiah would be from the tribe of Judah: Genesis 49:10
• Messiah would present himself by riding on an ass: Zechariah 9:9
• Messiah would be tortured to death: Psalm 22:1-31
• Messiah would arrive before the destruction of the Second Temple: Daniel 9:24-27
• Messiah’s life would match a particular description, including suffering, silence at his arrest and trial, death and burial in a rich man’s tomb, and resurrection: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Jesus response to the words of his disciples was consistent to his response at other times, and especially true based upon where they were headed - tell no one about Him. Let people figure out who I am, but he is on mission to preach to people but Jesus clearly does not want to stir the pot with those that do not accept Him. The disciples still had much to learn and Jesus wanted to teach them. Jesus knew his journey and there would be plenty of time for them to tell others, as he will commission them later to do this (Great Commission).

Summary: On their way to Caesarea Philippi Jesus questions the disciples on who others see that he is and who they believe he is. They get it right and He implores them to tell no one as his desire is to continue to be able to teach them about who He is. They are learning but have more to learn.

Promise: Jesus accepts the words from Peter, representing the group of the disciples, that He is the Jewish Messiah, the Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I believe in You. You are the Messiah. I look to You. I rest in who You are. Thank you for revealing yourself so clearly, to me.