An Eternal Mindset

In our discussion of Mark 8, one theme kept coming up. From the "yeast of the Pharisees" to Jesus's rebuke of Peter, that theme was the importance of focusing on eternal things.

It's not an easy thing to do. Jesus warned his disciples against the "yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod". He was warning them not to focus on the things of the world--gaining acclaim, wealth, leisure, or power, for example. His disciples missed the point, and focused on a basic earthly need--food.

Later, Jesus predicted he would be killed. He also predicted he would rise three days later. Peter took him aside and rebuked him. Most likely, Peter had a cultural idea of what the Messiah would be: a conquering king in the mold of David, a mortal favored by God who would set up an enduring kingdom of Israel. Dying didn't fit into that picture.

Jesus responded to the rebuke by saying "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Let's focus on the things of God. Taking up your cross daily (or in modern terms, strapping into your electric chair daily) might not be easy, but it's the price Jesus asked for the reward he offered.