Getting Away from Opinions to Experience Christ

Mark 7 to 8 unveils some very basic principles of pursuing a genuine spiritual life in Christ. They all involve a common theme—getting away from our daily routine to experience the reality of Christ. Are you ready?

So far we have seen how to be free from 1) religious traditions, 2) tribalism, 3) the crowd, 4) our excuses, 5) miracles, 6) bad teachings, and 7) human culture. Now the Lord Jesus shows us how to be free from our opinions about Him.

It’ s good to get far from religion, in order to get closer to Christ. In this next story, Jesus again takes His disciples far away from the religious realm of Jerusalem and Judea, to the far northern part of the Good Land called Caesarea Philippi. Here Jesus asked them the question of all questions:

"Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27)

The responses showed the human opinions about Jesus, which continue unto today:

"They told him, “John the Baptizer, and others say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets.” (Mark 8:28)

Today, some think Jesus is a right-wing Republican, who spoke about lowering taxes, the right to have a gun, and stopping abortion. Sorry friend, that is not Jesus. The liberals think Jesus is one of them because they think He spoke about your right to abortions, environmentalism, and higher taxes for the rich. Sorry, that is not Jesus either. Neither is He Santa Claus promising you rainbows, unicorns, and a pot of gold if you follow Him.

Some see Him as a vindictive ogre ready to throw you into hell. No, He died on the cross to save you. Others think He is like Mr Rogers, who will love you no matter what, and would never judge you. Actually, He comes to judge the living and the dead, and reward those who follow Him, and discipline even believers who do not give Him a return on His investment.

Sadly, millions consider Him an ancient religious icon, unknowable, who is visited only through rituals and archaic liturgies. He is about as real as a statue or stained glass.

The real Jesus Christ is known only by revelation (Matt 11:25; 16:17; Eph 1:17; 3:3; Gal 1:12). He is revealed in the Scripture as the creator, the embodiment of God, the redeemer, and the Life-Giving Spirit who can indwell us and be our life, content, joy, love, and peace. He is a flowing river of Life who can impart the reality of God into us and transform us into His glorious image. He is the One who shall soon return to the earth to glorify His believers, and reign over the earth with them. This is Who He Is.

Peter got the revelation:

"He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29)

He is still here today to reveal Himself to you. Lose your religion this week and receive a fresh revelation of Christ