Mark 8:31
Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again.
Then He began to teach them
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. The Greek word for "teach" is "didasko," which implies not just imparting knowledge but also shaping the understanding and lives of the disciples. Jesus is preparing His followers for the reality of His mission, which contrasts with their expectations of a triumphant Messiah. This teaching is foundational, as it sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

the Son of Man
This title, "Son of Man," is deeply rooted in Jewish apocalyptic literature, particularly in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a heavenly figure endowed with authority and glory. Jesus uses this title to emphasize both His humanity and His divine mission. It is a term that encapsulates His role as the representative of humanity and the fulfillment of God's promises.

must suffer many things
The word "must" (Greek: "dei") indicates divine necessity. It is not merely a prediction but a declaration of God's sovereign plan. The suffering of Jesus is not an accident or a defeat but an essential part of His mission. This suffering includes physical pain, emotional anguish, and spiritual burden, reflecting the depth of His sacrifice for humanity's redemption.

and be rejected
The rejection by the religious leaders signifies a profound misunderstanding and opposition to Jesus' mission. The Greek word "apodokimazo" means to reject after scrutiny, highlighting the deliberate and conscious decision of the leaders to oppose Jesus. This rejection fulfills the prophetic scriptures, such as Isaiah 53, which foretold the Messiah's suffering and rejection.

by the elders, chief priests, and scribes
These groups represent the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Their rejection of Jesus is significant because it shows the institutional resistance to His message. Historically, these leaders were seen as the guardians of Jewish law and tradition, yet they failed to recognize the fulfillment of the law in Christ. This rejection underscores the theme of spiritual blindness and the need for divine revelation.

and that He must be killed
The necessity of Jesus' death is central to the Christian faith. The Greek word "apokteino" means to kill or put to death, indicating the violent nature of His death. This act is not just a martyrdom but a sacrificial offering for sin. It fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the Passover lamb, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate atonement for sin.

and after three days rise again
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian hope. The phrase "after three days" is a Jewish idiom meaning a short, complete period. The resurrection vindicates Jesus' claims and demonstrates His victory over sin and death. It is the assurance of eternal life for believers and the validation of Jesus' divine identity and mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus (Son of Man)
Central figure in this passage, referring to Himself as the "Son of Man," a title that emphasizes both His humanity and His messianic role.

2. Elders, Chief Priests, and Scribes
These are the Jewish religious leaders who hold significant authority and influence. They are the ones who will reject Jesus, leading to His suffering and death.

3. Suffering, Rejection, Death, and Resurrection
Key events that Jesus predicts will happen to Him, highlighting the path of suffering He must endure for the salvation of humanity.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Necessity of Suffering
Jesus' prediction of His suffering and death was not just a foretelling of events but a declaration of the divine plan for redemption. Believers are called to understand that suffering can have a purpose in God's plan.

The Role of Rejection
Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders, which serves as a reminder that following Christ may lead to rejection by the world. Christians should be prepared to face opposition for their faith.

The Hope of Resurrection
Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian hope. It assures believers of victory over sin and death, encouraging them to live with eternal perspective.

The Identity of the Son of Man
Jesus' use of the title "Son of Man" connects His mission to Old Testament prophecies, affirming His identity as the Messiah. Believers are encouraged to deepen their understanding of who Jesus is.

The Call to Discipleship
Jesus' path of suffering and resurrection is a model for discipleship. Christians are called to take up their cross, follow Him, and trust in the promise of eternal life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus' prediction of His suffering and resurrection impact your view of trials in your own life?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself to face rejection for your faith, as Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders?

3. How does the hope of resurrection influence your daily decisions and priorities?

4. What does the title "Son of Man" reveal about Jesus' mission and identity, and how does this understanding affect your relationship with Him?

5. How can you apply the model of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection to your own journey of discipleship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 53
This passage prophesies the suffering servant, which aligns with Jesus' prediction of His own suffering and rejection.

Psalm 22
This psalm foreshadows the suffering and rejection of the Messiah, resonating with Jesus' prediction of His own experiences.

Daniel 7:13-14
The "Son of Man" is a title used in Daniel, emphasizing the divine authority and eternal kingdom of the Messiah, which Jesus claims for Himself.

Matthew 16:21-23 and Luke 9:22
Parallel accounts of Jesus predicting His suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection, reinforcing the consistency of this message across the Gospels.
Christ's Prediction of His Death and Rebuke of PeterJ.J. Given Mark 8:27-34
Peter's Self-ContradictionA.F. Muir Mark 8:29, 32, 33
DiscipleshipR. Green Mark 8:31-9:1
Christ's Intimation of His SufferingsH. Melvill, B. D.Mark 8:31-33
Peter Rebuked Christ and Christ Rebuked PeterDr. Parker.Mark 8:31-33
The Christ Foretelling His Own CareerA.F. Muir Mark 8:31-33
The Rebuke of LoveR. Glover.Mark 8:31-33
Unwelcome PropheciesE. Johnson Mark 8:31-38
People
Elias, Elijah, Herod, Jesus, John, Peter
Places
Bethsaida, Caesarea Philippi, Dalmanutha, Decapolis, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Authority, Behoveth, Chief, Dead, Death, Elders, Endure, Hated, Killed, Law, Priests, Rejected, Rise, Scribes, Suffer, Suffering, Teach, Teachers, Teaching, Undergo
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 8:31

     1412   foreknowledge
     1424   predictions
     1652   numbers, 3-5
     2045   Christ, knowledge of
     2054   Christ, mind of
     2057   Christ, obedience
     2221   Christ, Son of Man
     2233   Son of Man
     2354   Christ, mission
     2366   Christ, prophecies concerning
     2411   cross, predictions
     2530   Christ, death of
     2560   Christ, resurrection
     2570   Christ, suffering
     5514   scribes
     6231   rejection of God
     6696   necessity
     7330   chief priests
     7464   teachers of the law
     7565   Sanhedrin
     7708   apostles, function
     7719   elders, as leaders
     7730   explanation
     7950   mission, of Christ
     8112   certainty
     8450   martyrdom
     9311   resurrection, of Christ

Mark 8:31-32

     2545   Christ, opposition to

Mark 8:31-33

     5822   criticism, against believers
     6252   temptation, and Christ
     7632   Twelve, characters of

Library
The Religious Uses of Memory
'Do ye not remember!'--Mark viii. 18. The disciples had misunderstood our Lord's warning 'against the leaven of the Pharisees,' which they supposed to have been occasioned by their neglect to bring with them bread. Their blunder was like many others which they committed, but it seems to have singularly moved our Lord, who was usually so patient with His slow scholars. The swift rain of questions, like bullets rattling against a cuirass, of which my text is one, shows how much He was moved, if not
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars
'And when Jesus knew It, He saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? 18. Having eyes, see ye not? having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?'--Mark viii. 17,18. How different were the thoughts of Christ and of His disciples, as they sat together in the boat, making their way across the lake! He was pursuing a train of sad reflections which, the moment before their embarkation, had caused Him to sigh
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Gradual Healing of the Blind Man
'And Jesus cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto Him, and besought Him to touch him. 23. And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when He had spit on his eyes, and put His hands upon Him, He asked him if he saw ought. 24. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25. After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.'--Mark viii. 22-25. This miracle, which is only recorded
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Cross, and Ours
'And Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way He asked His disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? 28. And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. 29. And He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto Him, Thou art the Christ. 30. And He charged them that they should tell no man of Him. 31. And He began to teach them, that the Son of Man must suffer many
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 34, "If any Man Would Come after Me, Let Him Deny Himself," Etc. And on the Words 1
1. Hard and grievous does that appear which the Lord hath enjoined, that "whosoever will come after Him, must deny himself." [3157] But what He enjoineth is not hard or grievous, who aideth us that what He enjoineth may be done. For both is that true which is said to Him in the Psalm, "Because of the words of Thy lips I have kept hard ways." [3158] And that is true which He said Himself, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." [3159] For whatsoever is hard in what is enjoined us, charity makes
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 5, Etc. , Where the Miracle of the Seven Loaves is Related.
1. In expounding to you the Holy Scriptures, I as it were break bread for you. Do ye in hunger receive it, and break [3135] forth with a fulness of phrase from the heart; and ye who are rich in your banquet, be not meagre in good works and deeds. What I deal out to you is not mine own. What ye eat, I eat; what ye live upon, I live upon. We have in heaven a common store-house; for from thence comes the Word of God. 2. The "seven loaves" [3136] signify the seven-fold operation of the Holy Spirit; the
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Profit and Loss
We shall divide our text, and consider, in the first place, the gain a man would get if he gained the whole world; in the second place, the fearful loss if a man should lose his soul; and then, afterwards, we will try to finish up by some practical lesson. 1. In the first place, WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED IF HE SHOULD GAIN THE WHOLE WORD? Many Christian people, who do not exactly talk common sense, sum this all up by saying, that to gain the whole world is to gain nothing at all. Perhaps they are right,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Measure of Sin.
7th Sunday after Trinity. S. Mark viii. 2. "I have compassion on the multitude." INTRODUCTION.--In to-day's Gospel we see the tender compassion of our Lord for those who came into the wilderness to hear Him. This is only one example out of many of His great love and mercy: and indeed "His mercy is over all His works." "Thou, O Lord," says David, "art full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering and truth." This is a verity of which we are so convinced that it is quite possible we may overlook
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Religious Dangers
(Preached at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, 1861, for the London Diocesan Board of Education.) St. Mark viii. 4, 5, 8. And the disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? . . . How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. . . . so they did eat and were filled; and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. I think that I can take no better text for the subject on which I am about to preach, than that which the Gospel for this
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity.
How is it that ye do not understand?'--ST. MARK viii. 21. After feeding the four thousand with seven loaves and a few small fishes, on the east side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus, having crossed the lake, was met on the other side by certain Pharisees, whose attitude towards him was such that he betook himself again to the boat, and recrossed the lake. On the way the disciples bethought them that they had in the boat but a single loaf: probably while the Lord was occupied with the Pharisees, one
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Final Controversies in Jerusalem
177. The early Christians were greatly interested in the teachings of Jesus and in his deeds, but they thought oftenest of the victory which by his resurrection he won out of seeming defeat. This is proved by the fact that of the first two gospels over one third, of Luke over one fifth, and of the fourth gospel nearly one half are devoted to the story of the passion and resurrection. This preponderance is not strange in view of the shock which the death of Jesus caused his disciples, and the new
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

Prayer --The All-Important Essence of Earthly Worship
Where the spiritual consciousness is concerned--the department which asks the question and demands the evidence--no evidence is competent or relevant except such as is spiritual. Only that which is above matter and above logic can be heard, because the very question at issue is the existence and personality of a spiritual and supernatural God. Only the Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit. This must be done in a spiritual or supernatural way, or it cannot be done at all.--C.L. Chilton The
Edward M. Bounds—The Reality of Prayer

Eight Easter Lessons Learned at Emmaus. Luke xxiv. 13-35.
I.--When friends speak of good things, Jesus draws near. "These things" which concern Jesus. Even if men speak sorrowfully, if it is of Jesus they speak, He is nigh. If He were the subject of conversation more, His friends would have more of His company. If you are shy of Him, He will be shy of you. II.--Unbelief manufactures sorrow for the godly. Jesus said they looked "sad." It is a pity to employ unbelief; he does not know how to make a smile. When he tries it is a misfit. If the disciples
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

The Second Touch
"After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up."--Mark viii. 25. C. P. C. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Lo! a Hand amidst the darkness Clasped mine own-- Led me forth the blind and helpless, Led me forth alone; From the crowd and from the clamour To a silent place; Touched mine eyes--I looked upon Him-- Saw Him face to face. Saw Him, as the dawning swiftly risen O'er the valleys grey; I had passed from midnight of my prison Forth into the day. Lo! again His mighty Hand hath
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Epistle xxiii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Prima Justiniana in Illyricum. It is clearly a manifest evidence of goodness that the consent of all should concur in the election of one person. Since, then, the account which we have received from our brethren and fellow-bishops declared that you are summoned to the position of priesthood by the unanimous consent of the whole council and the will of the most serene Prince, we have rendered thanks with great exultation to Almighty God our Creator, who
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The General Service to a Monk-Martyr.
At the Vespers, for O Lord, I have cried, the Stichera, Tone 6. Similar to: Of three days... Let us, O faithful, in dutifully praising the exploits of the wise abstainer and the pains of the soldier of Christ, cry out unto the Lord: Through his intercessions, O Christ the God, deliver us from every calamity. An abundance of the most noble peace will be given of God unto thee, O holy father (mentioned by name), that hast endured the frightful storm of torments, thou invincible warrior and intercessor
Anonymous—The General Menaion

The Four Thousand
"In those days, when there was again a great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and if I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint in the way; and some of them are come from afar. And His disciples answered Him, Whence shall one be able to fill these men with bread here in a desert place? And He asked them, How many loaves
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Leaven of the Pharisees
"And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with Him, seeking of Him a sign from heaven, tempting Him. And He sighed deeply in His spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. And He left them, and again entering into the boat departed to the other side. And they forgot to take bread; and they had not in the boat with them more than one loaf. And He charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Men as Trees
"And they come unto Bethsaida. And they bring to Him a blind man, and beseech Him to touch him. And He took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village; and when He had spit on his eyes, and laid His hands upon him, He asked him, Seest thou aught? And he looked up, and said, I see men; for I behold them as trees, walking. Then again He laid His hands upon his eyes; and he looked stedfastly, and was restored, and saw all things clearly. And He sent him away to his home, saying,
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Confession and the Warning
"And Jesus went forth, and His disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi: and in the way He asked His disciples, saying unto them, Who do men say that I am? And they told Him, saying, John the Baptist: and others, Elijah; but others, One of the prophets. And He asked them, But Who say ye that I am? Peter answereth and saith unto Him, Thou art the Christ. And He charged them that they should tell no man of Him. And He began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

the Rebuke of Peter
"And He spake the saying openly. And Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him.". . . . "But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, 'Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.' And when He had called the people to Him, with His disciples also, He said to them, Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Zealous Protestants
Tuesday, May 3.--I rode to Birr, twenty miles from Atlone and, the key of the session house not being to be found, declared "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" in the street, to a dull, rude, senseless multitude. Many laughed the greater part of the time. Some went away just in the middle of a sentence. And yet when one cried out (a Carmelite friar, clerk to the priest), "You lie! You lie!" the zealous Protestants cried out, "Knock him down"; and it was not sooner said than done. I saw some bustle,
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Greatness of the Soul,
AND UNSPEAKABLENESS 0F THE LOSS THEREOF; WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT. FIRST PREACHED AT PINNER'S HALL and now ENLARGED AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. By JOHN BUNYAN, London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682 Faithfully reprinted from the Author's First Edition. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Our curiosity is naturally excited to discover what a poor, unlettered mechanic, whose book-learning had been limited to the contents of one volume, could by possibility know
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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