Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 1, 2023
Mark 8:31-33
31 Then Jesus began to teach his disciples: “The Human One must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and the legal experts, and be killed, and then, after three days, rise from the dead.” 32 He said this plainly. But Peter took hold of Jesus and, scolding him, began to correct him. 33 Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, then sternly corrected Peter: “Get behind me, Satan. You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”
Good Morning. Welcome to the season of hope, peace, joy, and love.
In our passage today, Jesus was teaching the disciples that he, the Messiah, must suffer to fulfill his destiny. These words that he was speaking sounded crazy when viewed through earthly thoughts. How can you be killed and then raised from the dead? Impossible! Besides, Peter and his disciples had seen Jesus’ power. They knew that he could avoid this pain and suffering. The disciples were still living in the understanding of Jesus as an earthly king, so the thought of him dying and leaving them was shocking.
Also, Peter and the disciples believed that part of their role was to protect Jesus. Remember when they suggested that they avoid certain cities because they did not feel as if it were safe for them there? The disciples were ready to fight to keep Jesus safe and with them always.
Jesus’ words make more sense when you view them after his resurrection. It is hard to imagine when you are asked to comprehend something that has never before happened. Christ is asking us to faithfully follow him even when we are not ready for the whole story to be revealed. As we enter this season of Advent, may we open our hearts to the unimaginable possibilities that Christ alone brings to us.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We get distracted by our earthly understandings. Help us let go and accept the new way, your way, of seeing the world. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: With God’s help, I can step out of my comfort zone.
Take up your cross and follow Christ! Pastor Liz
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