What does Mark 8:32 mean?

"Plainly" is from the Greek root word parrhesia and means unreservedly and boldly. This is in stark contrast to the parables Jesus uses to teach the crowds (Mark 4:10–12). But Jesus' clear words cannot yet get through Peter's preconceived idea of what the Messiah should be. He undoubtedly connects Jesus' identification as the "Son of Man" to Daniel's prophecy that speaks of God's representative who will receive an eternal kingdom (Daniel 7:13–14). But Peter can't reconcile this Son of Man with Isaiah 52:13—53:12 that tells of a suffering servant who will be despised, rejected, oppressed, and afflicted. In fact, Jews still have such a problem with Isaiah 53 that they do not include it in the yearly cycle of readings.

After each of Jesus' announcements of His death, the disciples make some kind of dominant overture. Here, Peter claims authority over Jesus. In Mark 9:33–37, the Twelve argue over who is greatest. In Mark 10:35–45, James and John ask for places of honor. The crucifixion is the pinnacle of self-sacrifice and humility and love, but the Twelve are still caught up in the fact that their friend will be King.

Peter falls to the same temptation that many do in western nations. Jesus did not come to make some earthly territory into a superpower, but to save individuals from eternal damnation. He did not come to lead Christians to redeem or control the culture, but to serve others. Paul was also surrounded by friends who would rather see him safe than follow God's plan (Acts 21:3–4, 25:8–11). Instead of using Jesus' authority for our own power and comfort, we should be like Mary of Bethany, who accepted what needed to happen and did what she could to honor Jesus' obedience and sacrifice (Mark 14:8).