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Lent · Second Sunday in Lent · Year B

Mark 8:27-38

Peters’ Confession of Christ

Christ Carrying the Cross, Sebastiano del Piombo
Christ Carrying the Cross, Sebastiano del Piombo, c. 1513-1514Art Institute of Chicago
Christ with the beam on his shoulder and his eyes closed, Simon behind him, and a city burning away in the distance.If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.Sebastiano del PiomboSebastiano, a Venetian working in Rome, who gave the figure Venetian colour and Roman weight.Art Institute of ChicagoThe Art Institute of Chicago.Art Institute of Chicago

Overview & Insights

“But who do you say that I am? Peter answered him, You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29)

We are at the turning point (called the “watershed” by many) in Mark’s Gospel. The first part (8:27–30) sums up the first half of the Gospel and addresses the identity of Jesus. The second part (8:31–33) sets the scene for the second half, the death and resurrection of Jesus. The travel narrative—the road to Jerusalem—begins in Bethsaida (see on 8:22) and here. Jesus now moves south to his destiny.

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Why is Peter's confession a turning point in Mark?

At Caesarea Philippi Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, and from that moment Jesus begins to teach plainly that the Son of Man must suffer, be killed, and after three days rise.

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