On this 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Rev. Cari preached on Mark 8:27-38, which includes the question of Jesus to the disciples, “But who do you say I am?”

It’s a timely question, which Rev. Cari pointed out in her introduction, referring to the political debate between the two contenders on the Tuesday before. It’s also a text that lands right in the middle of Mark’s gospel, and presents the disciples (and us!) with a choice about how we understand Jesus’ identity and purpose.

It’s the words that follow Peter’s answer that take up most of her sermon… because they are some of the most difficult and dangerous words to come out of Jesus’ mouth. So if you’ve ever wondered about what it means when he says “If you would save your life, you’ll lose it, but if you lose your life for my sake, you’ll save it,” then this is the sermon for you.