The Weight of the Truth: Mark 8:31-32
Genuine relationships can always bear truth no matter how difficult. Sometimes we have difficult things to say to one another. In one case we might have to confess something difficult about ourselves. In another case we might need to disclose something about someone that they don’t want to hear. Perhaps a person is growing up and they need to learn a life lesson that is hard. In each case, truth may temporarily strain a relationship, but genuine relationship should be able to bear it.
After Peter confesses Jesus to be the Messiah, Jesus talks plainly to the disciples about what is coming. He tells them the Son of Man – a fancy expression for the Messiah – will suffer, specifically at the hands of the religious elite. He tells the disciples He is going to die. He even tells them He will rise from the dead! Jesus gives the whole plan.
This is such an interesting point from which to study human behavior. On one hand, I tend to be very forgiving of the disciples when it comes to their reaction in the moment of the crucifixion and resurrection. It is such an unbelievable act, who can fault them for not understanding and being caught unaware? On the other hand, though, Jesus is very direct. He leaves no doubt as to what will happen. They shouldn’t be surprised when Jesus’ words come true.
Both perspectives are on point. Humans are complex individuals. We don’t always understand the first time we are told something. We don’t always absorb something the first time we hear it. Even when trying to pay attention, we need experience to help instruction make sense. Considering the emotional turmoil of watching a mentor suffer and die, even if the disciples understood they may well have forgotten in the moment. Yes, Jesus was direct and forthcoming. Yet, the trauma of the moment may also have been too much for them to bear.
Peter turns to Jesus and rebukes Him. I can only imagine how difficult it was to hear how God’s Messiah will die. How could God’s Messiah die at the hands of humans? God’s Messiah was supposed to triumph over the world! We may understand how the death and resurrection of Jesus illustrates His triumph over sin and the world, but it wouldn’t be fair to expect Peter or any of the disciples to understand this prior to it happening. The shock of Jesus’ witness against Himself would cause great difficulty for genuine understanding to take place.
What I truly love about this passage is how Jesus holds the balance between truth and relationship. Jesus must tell the disciples so they can start to prepare. Yet, He knows the information will make them upset. He still tells them. When they get upset, it isn’t the end of the relationship. Genuine relationships can always be able to bear truth no matter how difficult.
