Mark 8:27-15:47 Summary

Peter identified Jesus as the Messiah, but was shocked when Jesus predicted his own crucifixion. Jesus explained that to follow him meant losing one’s life for the sake of the gospel (8). Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain; they saw Jesus transfigured and heard a voice say, “This is my dearly loved son.” Jesus predicted his death and resurrection, and taught his disciples to focus on the kingdom of God (9). As he traveled to Jerusalem for Passover, Jesus denounced divorce, welcomed children, and encouraged divestment. He predicted he would be crucified and raised up, and commanded his disciples to serve others as he had served them. When they met a blind man who identified Jesus as the Son of David, Jesus healed him (10).

Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to shouts of praise from the crowds, but offended the Temple authorities by disrupting the business of the Temple (11). Jesus told parables and answered questions to show that the religious leaders were abusing their power. The only leader Jesus commended summarized the Law with two commands: love of God and love of neighbour. As Jesus left the Temple a poor widow give all she had away and Jesus commended her faith (12). The disciples were in awe of the Temple, but Jesus predicted that it would be destroyed, warned them of the many troubles to come, and predicted the return of the Son of Man (13).

When a woman anointed Jesus with expensive perfume Judas was offended and set out to betray Jesus. During the Passover meal Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples, telling them it was his body. Then he took the wine, blessed it, poured it out, and told them it was his blood. As they walked to the Mount of Olives, Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him. After Jesus prayed Judas arrived and betrayed Jesus to the authorities. Jesus was taken to the high priest, while Peter followed at a distance. As Jesus met with the high priest, he accepted the title of Messiah, and was condemned to death. When someone confronted Peter, he denied knowing Jesus, but then felt ashamed (14). The priests brought Jesus to Pilate who agreed to crucify Jesus to mollify the crowds. When Jesus died on the cross the curtain of the Temple was torn in two and a Roman officer exclaimed, “This man really was the Son of God!” Joseph of Arimathea was given permission by Pilate to bury Jesus’ body (15).