Mark’s Gospel hinges on Peter’s confession about Jesus: "You are the Messiah" (8:29). Jesus has dealt with the attacking blindness of the Pharisees. Now he addresses the supportive blindness of the disciples—everyone  sees what they want to. It’s time for the veil to be lifted. Jesus is setting out for Jerusalem and wants to take the disciples with him, and for them to remain after his death. Only by embracing the way of the cross can they (and we) follow him. This text describes the meaning of the Messiah--what Jesus came to do, how we are called to imitate him, and the wonderful result when we do.