Walking in light

HIGHLIGHT

Mark 8:32 (ESV): 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

EXPLAIN

A common theme in Mark 7-8, if not the whole gospel, is the confusion of the people in regards to spiritual things. The religious leaders especially were hard hearted and argued constantly with Jesus, but even the Twelve were incredibly dense.

The progression of stories before this include the miracle of the seven loaves and Jesus’ warning of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod that the disciples could not understand. Then Jesus healed a blind man who was able to see in stages – first seeing people who looked like trees and then seeing clearly.

Jesus then asked the disciples who they believed him to be and Peter answered with the great declaration, “You are the Christ.” But despite this moment of clear spiritual insight, when Jesus began speaking of his coming death, Peter rebuked him.

APPLY

The spiritual ignorance and darkness of the people in general, the religious leaders, and even the disciples should be a caution to us today.

Do we believe we can see, but are truly walking in darkness? Can we recognize when we only have partial light, and do we seek to see clearly? Having gained light, do we go back to darkness when God’s ways are confusing to us?

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the light you give in Christ. May I continue to live in your light and seek greater light, rather than wandering away due to a stubborn, rebellious heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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