Whenever I read the gospel books, I totally get where the disciples are coming from. Like me, they seem a bit slow to catch on. Jesus keeps on saying, “Don’t you understand it yet?” and “Are you still so dull?” (SEE MARK 7:18). Finally, Peter ‘gets it’. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Messiah” (8:29).

Peter was right that Jesus was the Messiah—God’s chosen rescuer. But he still hadn’t quite understood everything. When Jesus told them He needed to die to rescue them and us, Peter told Him off! So Jesus said: “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s” (V.33 NLT).

Peter still hadn’t really got it. He thought Jesus would bring His kingdom by wiping out the Romans and taking charge. But God’s way was going to be far better and to last forever. He was going to do it through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus.

And nothing has changed since. Sometimes we still think we can please God through our own efforts and the work we do. But there is only one way—Jesus (JOHN 14:6). He alone makes us part of God’s family and kingdom (PHIL. 3:20).

By: Julie Ackerman Link

To Pray About . . .

Father, I’m slow to trust You and understand what it means to follow Jesus. Help me listen to You and know You are all I need.