Mark 8:34-38
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
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First off, I read this passage in its context, and it appears to me that Jesus’ frustration is beginning to show. I am not implying that Jesus is impatient, but day after day people are coming to him to be healed – they want to in many respects “save their life”. Even Peter wants to save Jesus’ life as if that’s the most important thing anyone could do. Our lives are so centered on the here and now. So caught up in the idea that our physical lives are the most important thing in the world. And now I see Jesus trying to turn their attention away from healing and the worldly draw that has been created through His compassionate efforts to help the hurting. He has been healing and the people are drawn to the healing activity of Jesus. But that is not what Jesus is about. That is not His mission. I can see now why Jesus may not have wanted the healed men and women to tell people about their healing. His message would get lost in the mode.
S – is there any sin to confess? Oh yes. I cannot say with any confidence that my life exhibits a denial of self and a carrying of my cross. Even as a pastor, the flesh can be strong, and my will weak. I do these things because I think I will find life in my selfish actions and thoughts and words. True life is found in following Jesus.
P – are there any promises to claim? Yes, I will find true life when I deny myself, walk the hard road, and follow after Christ.
A – are there any attitudes to change? My attitude has to be geared toward looking at life not as the world looks at it, but as Jesus promises. I need to have a faithful attitude toward taking the hard road.
C – is there a command to obey? 1) Deny self; 2) Take up my cross; 3) Follow Christ; 4) Proud of Christ
E – Is there an example to follow? Yes, Christ uses His own example when He alludes to carrying the cross. At the time, the disciples had no idea what he was talking about. In hindsight, it is clear that carrying the cross includes so much suffering and all for no just reason.
P – is there a prayer to pray? I would pray that I would actually follow Jesus’ words here.
E – is there an error to avoid? Don’t be ashamed of Christ. Stop living for self.
T – Is there a truth to believe? It is worthless to gain the world and lose my soul. There is nothing worth giving up my soul for.
S – Is there something to praise God for? These are hard words from Jesus. They are a challenge to discipleship. Are they praiseworthy? Yes, but it takes finding the life that Jesus’ promises to give heartfelt praise. I think that is my prayer from this passage. That I might live as Jesus is commanding so that I might bring praise to my heavenly Father, and when He returns, that He might find me worthy.