Mark 8:34-38  It seems that there is a shift in Mark's presentation of Jesus after the proclamation by Peter ...that they believed Him to be the Messiah.  This revelation to the disciples and the rebuke of Peter's reaction to the news that Jesus would die by the hands of the Jewish leaders began a new season of teaching.. beginning with this intense sermon... 

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me." (v34) 

Jesus had done miracles, healed many, cast out demons, and fed the hungry.  He had taught about God's kingdom and revealed to them what that Kingdom looked like.  Now, He begins to teach about the deeper truths of Kingdom living.. starting with denying one's-self.  To deny means to disown and forget one's self, to lose sight of your own interests.. to abstain from focus on yourself.  This is a hard word to hear, let alone do.  But, it is necessary, Jesus says, to follow Him. 

Jesus calls His followers to take up a cross.  Those listening to this sermon knew all about crosses.  They knew that it was cruel.. they knew it meant death.. they knew that the worst of criminals ended up on the Roman crosses.  What would it mean to them that Jesus calls them to "take up his cross"?  To willingly chose death? It was incomprehensible.. but Jesus said it was necessary... to follow Him. 

Jesus calls us to "Follow Him".. to join with Him.. to accompany Him on the same road that He walks.  It speaks of a union with Him.. being  on His side.

Jesus goes on to say, "For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's sake shall save it."  Can we save ourselves? We know the answer is "NO".  We can't save ourselves from suffering, from disease, from peril, or from evil.  We need Jesus!   But.. Jesus says.. if we lay down our lives and follow Him.. He will save us.  He is the only One who can. 

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"  This was a startling and powerful teaching.  The people then.. as people do now.. desired to "gain".. to win.. to get more.. to prosper.  It is only when we believe in eternal life.. when we become aware that the choices we make determine our soul's final destination.. do we see the great value of following Jesus, the only WAY to the Kingdom of God... so much more profitable than all the riches of the world. 

Jesus has one more thing to say about this, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." 

Our decision to follow Jesus or to reject His salvation... effects all of eternity.  This message is like a laser that goes deep into the heart.. it is a greater challenge.. a powerful call to all who have "ears to hear".  

Father, open our ears.. open our eyes.. let us look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.  Help us to always choose to follow Jesus.. "no turning back.. no turning back.."  Here's my life, Lord.. "let it be consecrated Lord to Thee."  I deny myself.. I am taking up my cross to follow You wherever You lead me. May it be so.. by the power of the name of  Jesus Christ the Messiah.. Amen.