“Who do you say that I am?” This may be the most important question Jesus asks, and thus the most important question for us to answer.

According to Jesus the right answer is “the Christ,” which acknowledges him as the promised royal Messiah. Although Peter answers correctly, he does not really understand what Jesus has come to do. Peter expects a king without a cross. He does not yet see that Jesus must fulfill the pattern of King David’s life: suffering before glory, a cross before the crown.

As Jesus journeys to Jerusalem, Mark shows him to be Isaiah’s prophesied servant. Jesus must “give his life as a ransom for many.” If anyone would follow him, one must admit one’s need for forgiveness. Sinners need to be reconciled to God. Sinners need their King to die for their sins.