Mark 8:34-38, The Call of Christ
Self-denial: Jesus calls the crowd[1] and His disciples to follow Him. Do you wish to come after Jesus? You must be ready to give up your life in order to follow Him. Those who place their faith in Him will. This is what Jesus means when He says "deny yourself." Self-help gurus of today will preach denying yourself things now, but they appeal to your visions of your future self. Jesus says instead: lay that self down-lose your life for My sake. Wake up-all the world is not worth the loss of your soul (8:37). Decide to daily bear the shame[2] of His name (who He is) and His message[3] ("gospels," "My words") and you will find salvation. ("save it," 8:35).
Jesus the example[4]: Jesus was never occupied with man's interests-He set His mind on His Father's. (8:33) He always chose to faithfully speak the words that the Father gave Him to speak (John 14:24, Heb 1:2) and never backed down from the task. And for His faithfulness to the Father and His message, He willingly bore a literal cross. Jesus calls His followers to do the same-to follow in His footsteps in an adulterous and sinful generation (1 Pet 2:21, Heb 12:2). He has blazed this difficult trail, this narrow way, well ahead of us. He has made His steps clear and the path visible. Do you know this path? If not, learn from Him. (Mat. 11:28-29) Do you know His message? If not, listen to Him! (Deut. 18:15, Mark 9:7) To shrink back from Him and His words-to try to save your life-is to forfeit your soul.
[1] This message is for everyone ("if
anyone," 8:34a)
[2] This is the main import of "take up
the cross." The cross was an
instrument of death and a symbol
of shame, loss, and suffering before it was a symbol of redemption for the
Christian.
[3] Following Jesus involves both standing up for Jesus and standing up for His
message.
[4] Jesus' life fleshes out His call. He denied Himself, took up His cross and followed
the will of the Father.