A century ago, Martin Kahler famously described the form of the Gospels as "passion narratives with extended introductions." And that is dead on!
Consider, for example, Mark's Gospel. It falls into two main sections. The first section is roughly chapters 1-8. Here the narrative is action-packed and focuses on Jesus' powerful ministry of gathering disciples and doing mighty deeds that astonish the crowds. Mark 8:27-30 functions then as a watershed in the narrative, a hinge around which the story turns and then moves inexorably to the cross. After Peter confesses on the road to Caesarea Philippi that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus abruptly begins teaching about his impending suffering and death. And henceforth all presses forward toward the cross. Roughly half, therefore, of the Gospel is devoted to Jesus' sufferings. The crucifixion of the Christ is central indeed to the Gospel and the once-for-all-delivered-to-the-saints faith.
How large a shadow does the cross cast in our lives and preaching and teaching?
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