What Jesus Did! 'Don't Tell!' — Mark 8:29-30

Friday, May 24, 2024

Then [Jesus] asked [the disciples], "But who do you say I am?"

Peter replied, "You are the Messiah."

But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

— Mark 8:29-30 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' warning seems bizarre to many folks today. However, if we follow the story of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, we realize that the people who hear him want to define what it means for Jesus to be Messiah and Son of God rather than letting God define it. However, Jesus warns those who catch a glimpse of his true identity not to tell. He wants to define what God wants his role to be as Messiah (the Christ) and Son of God. That means going to a cross, something that was beyond the disciples' comprehension. (Notice Peter's reaction to this revelation in the verses that follow. [1]) The basic message for you and me is this: We must let Jesus define his Messiahship and then re-define our lives as we follow him.

[1] Mark 8:31-32.

Today's Prayer

O Father, teach me to understand fully who your Son is and to follow him without reservation, no matter what the personal cost may be. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

11 Related Resources by Heartlight

Mark 8:29
Devo: Today's Verse
""But what about you?" [Jesus] asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ.""
You Are the Messiah!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Then [Jesus] asked [the disciples], "But who do you say I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Messiah.""
The Ultimate Question
Illustration of Mark 8:29
Inspirational illustration of Mark 8:29 -- 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Peter answered, 'You are the Christ.'
When Right Words Are Very Wrong
Article by Phil Ware
Right answers can never substitute for right living. Phil reminds us that having right answers means very little if we don't treat people like Jesus did.
See All 11 Related Resources about Mark 8:29-30

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 8:29-30 NLT — Then [Jesus] asked [the disciples], "But who do you say I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Messiah." But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, May 24, 2024

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 31:5
"These words have been frequently used by holy men in their hour of departure. We may profitably consider them this evening. The object of the faithful..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Move Toward Perfect Beauty & Holiness'
"Dear Precious and Holy One, When you became My disciple, you were made "holy, blameless, and totally free of imperfection" by My blood that "bled..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Silencing Your Enemies' (Ps. 8:2)
"[O Lord, our Lord] You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Escaping Evil, Embracing Truth' (2 Ti. 2:22-26)
"Dear Father, Help me to escape evil passions and to aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with all who call upon the Lord from a pure....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!