What are Friends For?
Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-33
Mark, in many scholars’ opinion, was the first of the four gospels to be written. Many also think it was, in some ways, Peter’s gospel account. Not that Peter wrote it, but that Mark was mostly recounting what he had been taught and told by Peter. One objection to that view is the way that Peter is portrayed in this passage. It doesn’t put him in a good light. Therefore, the suggestion is that Peter wouldn’t have told Mark about it, or if he did, out of kindness to his friend, Mark would not have included it in his gospel account.
While I am not going to argue for or against the Peterine influence over Mark’s gospel, I don’t believe the inclusion of this particular text is evidence one way or another. Friendship, in a biblical sense, doesn’t mean we can’t be honest with or about our friends' failures. It is also important to note that Mark’s inclusion of this story served a purpose greater than just pointing out Peter’s faults. It does that, but it does more than that.
This tale of Peter’s rebuke of Jesus serves as a warning. It reminds us how easily we can allow our preconceived notions of how life ought to go to become an opening for Satan to influence our thinking. It also shows us how a humble man of God is not too afraid or too proud to allow his failings to become points of teaching to help others.
Of all the disciples, Peter is often considered the most relatable to people. It is precisely because we see his faults that we can feel a companionship with Peter. The fact that Mark included this story tells us a lot about friendship and what a true friendship is and isn’t.
