MINDFULNESS
MARK 8:31-33
MARK 8:31-33 NKJV
31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
OBSERVATION:
As we read the gospels, we see Jesus operating on a different level than His disciples.
This had to be perplexing to the twelve. In chapter eight, we see numerous examples of Jesus living and teaching so differently from anyone they had ever encountered.
Thousands came to hear Him and stayed three days. Jesus did not want them walking home hungry. The disciples were looking at their limited resources and remote location and were convinced that nothing could be done. Jesus asked what they had, multiplied their meager food , and fed 4000 with food left over.
When the disciples were leaving, they forgot to take the leftover bag on the ship. They were caught up in natural things, bread. Jesus warned them about spiritual things. The doctrines of the Pharisees and Herod.
In our passage for today, Jesus is speaking of what is about to transpire in His life. He plainly stated that he would be rejected, killed, and after three days rise again.
Peter pulled Him aside and rebuked Him for saying all these negative things. But Jesus did not appreciate Peter's concern. Jesus rebuked Peter as being used by Satan. The issue was that Peter was not mindful of the things of God but the things of men.
From Peter's vantage point, having Jesus die was the absolute worst case scenario. Notice Peter completely missed the rising again part.
No, Peter was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ. He believed Jesus had come to destroy Roman rule and establish Israel once again as a world power. And, of course, Peter would be right there as one of Jesus' key men ruling with Him.
Peter was mindful of the things that concerned man’s wants and desires. He wanted power and prestige. Jesus was mindful of God's things. What God wanted, freedom and salvation for mankind.
APPLICATION:
It is so easy to only be mindful of the things of men. To be surrounded and consumed with cares of life and desires for our passions, possessions, and positions.
But as we grow in the Lord, our mindfulness moves past what is only good for us to what God would have for our lives. How we can please Him instead of simply living on a purely natural level. How can we be more of a blessing to God’s work and Kingdom.
Because we do have a choice, let's become more mindful of the things of God.
PRAYER:
Lord help me to become more mindful of higher things that pertain to You and Your Kingdom and work.