Why “Must” the Son of Man Suffer, Die and Rise?

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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This morning we’re continuing in our study of the Gospel of Mark by zooming in on one particular verse (8:31) that just happens to get at the heart of what Easter is all about. As we saw last week, chapter eight is the turning point of Mark, specifically in Peter’s words to Jesus, “You are the Christ.” (8:29) The term “Christ” is a Greek translation of the Hebrew term “messiah” – both meaning “anointed one”. The Christ, or Messiah, was expected to be the king to end all kings; not merely a Savior but the Savior, not merely a rescuer but the Rescuer. He was going to be the one who would put every wrong right. And, in climatic fashion, Peter says to Jesus, “You’re him. That’s you. The one we’ve been waiting for.” The entire Gospel leads up to this important point and the rest of the Gospel describes what it all means.