오직 예수안에서

Meditate the Cross (Mark 8:27-33)

Every Sunday morning, we recite the Apostle’s Creed. It contains our confession about God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Do you know that? The great portion of it is about the Son, Jesus. Our understanding of Jesus provides the foundation of our faith. Therefore, knowing Jesus is so important for us.

How much do you know Jesus? Is He one of the great persons in human history?

In this sermon, I want to categorize our faith into three. Anyone who comes to church, he/she could be one of these groups: watcher of Jesus, fan of Jesus, disciple of Jesus. Which group are you in?

Stage 1: They think Christianity is one of many religions. They are watchers of Jesus.

Jesus and his disciples went to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They said, "John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others, one of the prophets." (Mark 8:27-28)

Caesarea Philippi was a town built for Emperor Caesar. The town was full of images of gods and emperors. This world is like this town. It is full of things people can rely on or pursue. There are many things that can replace God: money, fame, success.

For these people, Jesus is one of their hobbies. They see a value in Jesus, but not absolute importance. When Jesus becomes boring, they turn to other things to enjoy.

Stage 2: They think Jesus is the Savior for earthly blessings. They are fans of Jesus.

He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." ³⁰ Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. ³¹ Then Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ³² He spoke openly about this. So, Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ³³ But after turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan. You are not setting your mind on God's interests but on man's." (Mark 8:29-33)

They love Jesus and come to Church. They willingly pay for the tickets to enjoy the Christian culture and to belong to the community. But their interest is on earthly blessings as Peter had followed Jesus for this reason.

When Peter heard that Jesus was going to be crucified, he didn’t want it. If Jesus would be crucified, his disciples would expect persecution.

Jesus’ fan came to Jesus because of Jesus’ miraculous power and fame. Because Jesus’ fans expect Jesus’ blessings on the earthly life, they leave Jesus as soon as the expectation drops. When sacrifice is required, when Jesus leads you to a difficult pathway, when Jesus loses fame in this world, Jesus’ fan would stop following Jesus.

If you understand Jesus only through His miracles, not through his crucifixion, you would remain as Jesus’ fan.

Stage 3: Jesus’ disciples. They follow Jesus wherever He leads them with the hope of eternal blessings and love for Jesus.

Their focus is on Jesus Himself. Their focus is on heaven. They follow Jesus even through death because they have the hope of resurrection.

This is the faith that works.

How can you have this faith? You must meet Jesus. Where? Many places! When Jesus heals you, listens to your prayer, or miracles happen in your life, you encounter with His power. But those encounters could make you Jesus’ fan, not Jesus’ true disciples. 

You should encounter Jesus on the cross. It is the place where Jesus was murdered, but you were raised to life. Jesus was condemned, but you were forgiven. Jesus was rejected by God, but you were accepted. Jesus was naked and humiliated, but your guilt was covered by Jesus’ blood.

How much do you know about the Cross? If you know the Cross, you will never stop praising His sacrifice. As you see in the Book of Revelation, our everlasting anthem song will be “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain….” (Rev 5:12). I hope you know more about the Cross and why Jesus called His crucifixion a glorification. What a mystery is the Cross!

Easter is approaching. Pray God that He helps you to understand the mystery Jesus’ cross. Mediate the cross and your soul will live again. You will restore your first love.