ACC ~ Mark 8 v27 - 30

OVERVIEW:

The venerable Bede grasped the subtle irony embedded in this passage: Jesus’ human identity was being declared in a divine voice while his divine identity was being declared in a human voice. We become Christians when we are anointed by the same Spirit by whom even the Christ himself was anointed. To be identified as the Christ is to be recognizable as the God-man anointed to save humanity (BEDE).

8:27 | Who Do People Say That I Am?

HIS HUMANITY AND DIVINITY FORESHADOWED

BEDE: We note that the Lord called himself “Son of man,” [1] while Nathanael proclaimed him “Son of God.” [2] Similarly is the account in the Gospels where Jesus himself asks the disciples who people say the Son of man is, and Peter answers, “You are the Christ, Son of the living God.” [3] This was done under the guidance of the economy of righteousness. It shows that the two natures of the one mediator are affirmed: his divinity and his humanity, and attested both by our Lord himself and by human mouths. By this means the God-man declared the weakness of the humanity assumed by him. Those purely human would themselves declare the power of eternal divinity in him. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.17. [4]

[1] Cf. Mt 8:20; 9:6; 16:13; Mk 8:31; 14:62; Lk 18:31; 22:48; Jn 5:27.

[2] Cf. Jn 1:49.

[3] Cf. Mt 16:16.

[4] Cetedoc 1367, 1.17.255; HOG 1:175**.

8:29 | You Are the Christ

WHY BELIEVERS ARE CALLED CHRISTIANS

BEDE: “Messiah” in the Hebrew language means “Christ” in Greek; in Latin it is interpreted as “the Anointed One.” Hence “chrisma” in Greek means “anointing” in Latin. The Lord is named Christ, that is, the Anointed One, because, as Peter says, “God has anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power.” [1] Hence the Psalmist also speaks in his praise, “God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions.” [2] He calls us his companions since we have also been fully anointed with visible chrism for the reception of the grace of the Holy Spirit in baptism, and we are called “Christians” from Christ’s name. [3] EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1.16. [4]

[1] Acts 10:38.

[2] Ps 45:7.

[3] Cf. Acts 11:26.

[4] Cetedoc 1367, 1.16.111; HOG 1:174*.