Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Mark 8:27-30 (NRSV)

Read Mark 8:27-30 on biblegateway.com

Verse 27Jesus 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?" Verse 28And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." Verse 29He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." Verse 30And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Devotion

There are many theories about why Jesus said to his disciples, "Don't tell anyone I'm the Messiah." Maybe it wasn't the right time. Maybe Jesus was worried for the disciples' safety in the face of opposition to Jesus, or perhaps, as it is been labeled, this was the "Messianic secret" of the book of Mark's author. Jesus, however, does not say to us, "Don't tell anyone I'm the Messiah." In fact, it is our joy to tell others of God's love in Jesus Christ for all God has created. It is our joy to tell others, "Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus." Now we rejoice in sharing the joy with which God has filled our hearts by loving us unconditionally.

Prayer

Lord, may your joy inspire us in new ways to speak of and bring your love to our lives and our
world. Amen.

Cheryl Heuer Dean of Students and Registrar, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

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