What Concerns Govern Your Life?

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. -Mark 8:30 (NIV)

I serve on a board that interviews candidates for ministry in our denomination. In order to become a pastor in our denomination, one of the things that a person has to do is meet with this board and be able to articulate a call to ministry, demonstrate that she or he possess gifts and graces for specialized ministry, and that he or she understands the theology of our tradition and is able to communicate it effectively.

Many years ago, we were interviewing a candidate for ministry. This candidate was asked to discuss our denomination's understanding of baptism. This person's answer, though technically correct, was incomplete. So we asked the candidate to describe his own understanding of baptism. As he answered, I realized that his response was not an acceptable response for being recommended as a candidate for ministry in our denomination. I tried to help this person by interrupting and saying, "You know, you may just want to stop, collect your thoughts, and then start again."

I wonder if something like that is what is happening in Mark 8. Jesus begins by asking a rather broad question: who do people say that I am? The disciples reply, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." Then Jesus says, "But what about you...who do you say that I am?"

Peter is quick to answer: "You are the Messiah." This answer is technically correct, but incomplete. That's because Peter's understanding of messiahship is much different than Jesus' understanding. Traditional Jewish thought understood the anticipated Messiah to be a person of military might who would restore Israel to power and deliver Israel from political oppression. Jesus' understanding of messiahship is one of a suffering servant who is rejected, killed, and then resurrected. Realizing that Peter's answer is correct (Jesus is the Messiah), but incomplete (not the kind of Messiah that Peter thinks), Jesus warns them not to say any more.

Jesus then tries to teach the disciples what he must do as the Messiah. Peter doesn't like it and rebukes Jesus for it. But then Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, "Your concerns are human concerns, not the concerns of God. Whoever wants to be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

What concerns govern your life? Is it all about you or is all it about God? The season of Lent is a great time to turn from self and turn back to God. May God grant you the grace to deny yourself today and to be more concerned about following Jesus. It may mean rejection or sacrifice or loss. But in rejection, in sacrifice, and in loss, Jesus promises salvation and newness of life.