The Messiah We Need

Mark 8:27-38

Father Mark’s sermon centers on the profound question Jesus poses to His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Messiah,” but his understanding of the Messiah clashes with the reality of Jesus’ mission. Peter, like many Jews of his time, envisioned a Messiah who would triumph politically, akin to King David. However, Jesus reveals that His path is one of suffering, rejection, and ultimately death, before rising again. When Peter tries to rebuke Jesus for this, he is sternly corrected, illustrating the danger of imposing personal or cultural expectations on God’s plan.

Father Mark draws parallels between Peter’s mistake and the modern tendency to envision a Jesus who reflects our own political or cultural biases. Just as Peter struggled to accept a Messiah who would suffer, many today shape their image of Jesus to fit their personal ideologies. Father Mark emphasizes the importance of allowing Jesus’ true nature to challenge and transform us. He urges the congregation to go beyond surface-level understanding, seek deeper spiritual roots, and be open to the ways Jesus calls us to align our lives with His teachings, even when they challenge our comfort or deeply held beliefs.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.