Jesus is the One Who saves

Have you ever tried to explain something to someone but it has never come across to him or her. How did you feel about it? Do not worry you are not alone in this company. Jesus has experienced that as well. He even came to the point when He began asking direct questions.

“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”  Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”  Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.”

Mark 8: 27-38, 9:1

Now disciples are on the ground walking on a nice day to Caesarea Philippi. As they walk they talk. Jesus is using this moment to unveil the mystery about him from His dear friends. He understands that disciples had hard time understanding who He really was during all this time that He was with them. So Jesus is using an intricate question to clear up the sky. ‘Who do men say that I am?’ Disciples do not spend much time finding the answer, - ‘John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets’. Now when Jesus directed the conversation in the right direction He addresses them again, - ‘But who do you say that I am?’. And Peter answered to Him, - ‘You are the Christ’. With this last word pronounced by Peter a minute of silence sets in the conversation. It seems like they even stopped walking. What does that mean to be Christ? What does it require from us to follow Jesus – the Christ? These questions penetrate into the disciples minds. The group walks from of the dusty road to a shadow of some trees and Jesus begins to teach them. What does that mean to be with Christ and to follow Him? At this time Jesus is not looking for words. He speaks openly and as clearly as possible for the disciples to understand.

·        Perspective

Jesus is openly talking about what will happen to Him. He says that He must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. Peter rebukes Jesus. He takes Jesus aside and tries to talk him out of it. Jesus points out to the things of God. For God in order to save people Christ needs to die on the cross.

·        Cost

Jesus is talking about the cost of following Him. It will not be easy. Following Jesus is connected with a matter of a big price. The price is the condition of a human soul.  ‘For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.  What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?’

·        Benefits

Who stays faithful will be enjoying God’s glory. ‘If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.’ What does it mean to be ashamed? Have you ever been ashamed? Do you want God to be ashamed of you? We are asamed unless we come to Christ and reveal our shame.

Christ saves us from useless efforts, gives us new direction. It will cost you to follow Him but you will not be ashamed, - ‘I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.’