Beware the Leaven

Mark 8 tells a story of Jesus warning against following human expectations for the Messiah. Jesus criticizes the focus on worldly power and teaches that the true path lies in following God's will, even if it means suffering. Peter exemplifies this failing by rejecting Jesus' message of sacrifice and clinging to the idea of a conquering Messiah. The chapter serves as a reminder to follow Jesus on his terms, focusing on God's plan rather than our own desires.