There’s a turning point in Mark’s gospel, in chapter 8 – “Who do people say that I am?” – because after months of following Jesus, the disciples still needed a short course to figure out who it was they were following. And so, we listen in because we are people who often need to be reminded just why Jesus is someone worth following.
But then, my friends, we are so quickly at the next question – the question of our own worthiness. That’s why I have posted this picture in the blog today – because I found the poetry of Rudy Francisco, with this thought – I’m trying to convince my shadow that I’m someone worth following. Darn, I thought, I was looking for images that would help me show in pictures why Jesus is worth following. But then I read Rudy’s poetry. https://genius.com/Rudy-francisco-my-honest-poem-annotated
And I decided it was a Holy Spirit connection to find him, and his thoughts. Because when we start talking about Jesus and who he was, and why we follow him, I think we conflate these thoughts with our own thoughts of self worth. If I am not worthy to follow Christ, maybe I will spend some time trying to convince myself its ok that I’m not worthy because maybe Jesus isn’t worthy. You know that syndrome, it’s the “I would never be a member of a private club that would have me as a member” syndrome. but, let’s be real. Jesus is worthy. And He has made us worthy through His love for us.
The text of Mark 8 is attached below. Please take a moment to linger on the words of verse 34 – Let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. God has made us worthy, friends. And Jesus is, someone worth following. – Pastor P+
Mark 8:27-38
27Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
31Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
