17th Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 116:1-9; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38
The 17th Sunday after Pentecost brings us Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah (Mark 8:29). Such a loaded statement immediately – typical of Mark’s quick tempo – triggers a strong emotional interchange between Jesus and the disciples. Words have the power to do just that. Jesus sternly admonishes the disciples to keep it close to the vest (30) and first discloses that he will die in their life span (31). The latter is what makes Peter’s declaration loaded. The Messiah was to be a military leader who would free Israel from the oppressors and reestablish David’s royal line. The one like a human being (the Son of Man) had other plans. That is preposterous for Peter, who then rebukes Jesus (32) – here, the same Greek verb that Jesus uses to order the disciples sternly. It is on from there, “Get behind me, Satan!” you are set on human ways (33)!
That sets more inflammatory statements from the Savior of the World. The so-called cost of discipleship comes next. True disciples are to deny themselves and be willing to carry their crosses to follow him (34). Furthermore, it is pointless for them to try to play safe. They have already been chosen by the bread that came down from heaven to give life to the world. They just witnessed a multitude fed out of almost nothing for the second time (8:1-9). They still don’t get it (14-21). They have nothing more to gain, only to lose (35 to 37). Shame on them (38)!?
Words have power. Especially in the tongue of a teacher called to sustain the weary, proclaims Isaiah (50:4). To follow through with that call is to be willing to be stricken, have your beard pulled, be insulted and spat upon (6), and yet trust that God will see the teacher through (9).
Even small words can set the world ablaze, writes the author of James for their readers (verse 6). There is the fire that harms and burns, and there is the fire that comforts and warms. Words have power. The one who speaks on behalf of God cannot do both (10).
The psalmist proclaims:
“Gracious is the LORD and righteous;
our God is merciful.
The LORD protects the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest,
for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you (Psalm 116:5-7; NRSVue).”
Bridging Faith 