Prayer: Dear God, when we think we know what should happen and try to lead you, remind us instead to follow you. Thank you for not simply telling us to get out of the way. Amen
Reading: Mark 8: 31-38 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: This has always been a difficult passage for me to understand. Peter simply does not like to hear Jesus predicting his death. Who would? Not good news, unthinkable and downright disturbing. So Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Jesus who rebuked Peter right back with, "Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of Good, but the things of men" (v. 33). Ouch. Harsh words. Why did Jesus have to come down so hard on Peter? Pondering the story this time, maybe Jesus was simply trying to remind Peter who the leader is. It was as if, Peter had stepped out in front for moment to try to lead instead of follow as the disciple he was. Jesus could have said, "Get out of my way!" but instead Jesus told Peter to get behind so he can once again follow. That I can understand. That we can do. --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper
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