Mark 8:27-38
“Marks of a True Disciple, Part One”
1. Right Confession Isn’t the Same as Right Understanding
📖 Read: Mark 8:27–30
Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?”
Peter answers correctly: “You are the Christ.” Yet he still misunderstands what that means.
Key Insight:
🎯 Right words about Jesus don’t always mean right surrender to Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
Why do people redefine Jesus instead of receiving Him as He is?
What does your confession of Jesus actually cost you?
Where might you accept Him as Savior but resist Him as Lord?
2. God’s Plan Challenges Human Expectations
📖 Read: Mark 8:31–33
Jesus predicts suffering and death. Peter rebukes Him. A suffering Messiah didn’t fit his expectations.
Jesus says Peter’s mind is set on the things of man, not God — comfort over obedience.
Key Insight:
🧠 A comfort-centered mindset can quietly oppose God’s purposes.
Discussion Questions:
Why is suffering difficult to accept in God’s plan?
Where might you be resisting what God is allowing?
What does it look like to set your mind on God’s things?
3. The Way of the Cross Is Self-Denial
📖 Read: Mark 8:34
“Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.”
The cross meant shame and death. Self-denial means dethroning self as ruler.
Key Insight:
👑 Following Jesus requires surrendering control.
Discussion Questions:
What does self-denial look like in daily life?
Where do you struggle most to give up control?
How is biblical self-denial different from self-hatred?
4. Losing Your Life Is the Way to Find It
📖 Read: Mark 8:34–35
The way of the cross includes surrender, obedience, and willingness to bear cost. What feels like loss now becomes life in Christ.
Key Insight:
🔥 What looks like loss in this world is gain in God’s kingdom.
Discussion Questions:
Where does fear of rejection shape your choices?
What “safe” Christianity are you tempted to settle for?
How has surrender brought freedom in your life?
5. Eternal Perspective Changes Everything
📖 Read: Mark 8:36–38
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
Jesus reframes success in light of eternity.
Key Insight:
🌅 The greatest loss is not suffering — it’s losing your soul.
Discussion Questions:
What would “gaining the world” look like for you?
How does eternity reshape your priorities?
Are there areas where you feel tempted to hide your faith?
🙏 Prayer Prompts
Surrender: “Show me where I’m still in control.”
Alignment: “Set my mind on Your purposes.”
Courage: “Help me follow You at any cost.”
Perspective: “Anchor me in eternity.”
Devotion: “Teach me to truly follow You.”