Mark 8:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

NIV: He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

NASB: And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.

CSB: He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

NLT: As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.

KJV: And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

NKJV: He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.

"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).

Mark 8:31–33 is the tipping point of the Gospel of Mark. The theme shifts from ''who is Jesus'' to ''what is expected of Jesus Messiah?'' In the next chapter is the transfiguration (Mark 9:2–13). In chapters 9 and 10, Jesus again predicts His death (Mark 9:30–32; 10:32–34). Then begins Passion Week with the triumphal entry (Mark 11:1–11). As in Jesus' next two prophecies of His coming death, the disciples are so intent on their own interpretations of what ''Messiah'' means that they refuse to accept Jesus' very clear warnings. Peter's stubbornness is also recorded in Matthew 16:21–23.

This chapter describes another miraculous feeding of thousands by Jesus. He also counters the hard-hearted and selfish hypocrisy of the Pharisees in seeking even more miraculous signs. Speaking to the disciples, Jesus rebukes their short memories and reminds them about God's intent to provide for His followers. After healing a blind man, Jesus accepts Peter's proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah. Almost immediately, though, Jesus rebukes Peter for resisting the idea that the Messiah must suffer and die.

Mark 8 continues Jesus' attempts to teach the disciples God's plan for the Messiah. Jesus has not come for the religious Pharisees but for the meek who willingly respond to Him. He has not yet come as the glorious and victorious champion of Israel, but to die for the whole world. And His followers must also be willing to sacrifice their lives. The chapter marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry as His miracles grow fewer and His teaching increases. Interestingly, Jesus also faces a repeat of the temptations He experienced in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.