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

  • Mark 1:21-28
  • Mark 5:35-43
  • Mark 7:31-37

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, May 24, 2024

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 66:20
"In looking back upon the character of our prayers, if we do it honestly, we shall be filled with wonder that God has ever answered them. There may be...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 16:17
"The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'A Long Gaze into Glory' (Ac. 7:55)
"[Just before Stephen was stoned:] But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Galatians 5:24
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."

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.

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!