What does Mark 8:11–33 reveal about who God the Father is?

• We learn that God is not someone who exists to serve human arrogance. The Pharisees demand a sign but God has already given them plenty of signs that Jesus is the Christ (Mark 8:11–13). We also learn that God works in mysterious ways. The Christ will suffer before he is raised from the dead to glory (Mark 8:31). This is not the way in which human expectations work. We expect someone who is important to be served by others. But God sends his Son to serve, suffer, and die. The way to glory is not by exalting yourself, but humbling yourself and serving others. We also see that God is in control. Jesus predicts his death and resurrection. God the Father gave him a specific task to fulfil.

What does Mark 8:11–33 reveal about what God the Son did in my place and on my behalf?

• This passage draws our attention to what Jesus has come to do as the Christ. He has come to reveal God to us (prophet), he has come to govern us by his Word and Spirit (king) and he has come to pay the penalty for our sins (priest). It appears as if Jesus’ work of redemption in particular is in focus in Mark 8:33. Thus, God has come to rescue me from my hard hearted sinful rebellion against him.  

What does Mark 8:11–33 reveal about what God the Holy Spirit does in me and through me)?

• God is the one who opens my blind eyes and softens my hard heart. I need God to work a miracle in me if I am going to come to true faith in Jesus Christ. God the Holy Spirit works powerfully in my heart and mind when I heard and read God’s Word. Having brought me to faith, God then helps me to be obedient to his commands.