Peter Confesses the Christ and Jesus Reveals the Way of the Cross

Near Caesarea Philippi Jesus asks who people say he is and then asks the disciples directly. Peter answers, “Thou art the Christ.” Jesus immediately teaches that the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and rise after three days. Peter rebukes him and is himself sharply rebuked. Jesus then calls the crowd to deny self, take up the cross, and follow.

Where this fits in the story: Mark’s central identity question reaches a breakthrough, but the meaning of Messiah must be corrected by suffering. Peter can say the right title while rejecting the path Jesus says is necessary.