December 12, 2022 – Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“Jesus 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?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”  He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.” Mark 8:27-30

In our lesson above Peter has a break-through. Jesus has been frustrated with his disciples and their lack of understanding (see 8:17 – 18). All along they appear to be confused and confounded by what they experience with Jesus. Finally, when Jesus asks the question “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with these words: “You are the Messiah.”  Will this understanding hold up over time?  Will it truly prepare the disciples to understand everything that Jesus will tell them and teach them?

It appears, even at the end of the Gospel of Mark, that the disciples are in doubt and experience a lack of understanding. But, as we will see in the book of Acts, they eventually “get it”.  But for now, Peter’s declaration foreshadows the upcoming Transfiguration where they will truly experience the glory of G-d manifest in the person of Jesus Christ. 

Even though we have seasons like Advent to help us prepare, can we truly prepare or will we be confounded like the disciples? What gives us hope is that the disciples do come to know who Jesus is – and it leads them on a fateful journey of pain and discovery – and eternal life.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, we may not be able to prepare fully for your coming, but your cross means you will never give up on us as we prepare. Amen.

Pastor Dave