“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36, NKJV)

Immediately after telling his disciples of his coming suffering and death, Jesus told them they had to be prepared for similar treatment. The cross was an instrument of violent and painful execution. To “take the cross” was to carry the horizontal beam of the cross out to the site of execution, generally past a jeering mob.

Jesus describes what each of us must be ready for: if we follow him, we must be ready to face literal scorn and death, for we must follow to the cross. As followers of Jesus we are to give our lives to him, and be obedient to him even if it leads to hardship, persecution and death. We will no longer rule own lives, but will deny ourselves personal desires in order to please our Master. In sacrificing the life that puts self first, we will find the only true life.

Since life is worth more than the world itself, giving one’s life in this world to gain it in the world to come is a wise transaction. Those who live for themselves may gain what they want in this present age, they they will lose the only life of lasting value, eternal life.

Sources:

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary. New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

Olive Tree Bible Software, 1998-2020.

http://www.biblegateway.com

Published by Pastorbluejeans Unplugged

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