May He Increase

Posted By Joe on November 9, 2009

And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." --Mark 8:34.

It's unfortunate that these passages in Mark seem to be overlooked and downplayed when introducing Christianity to people. It's also unfortunate that the Christian life, at times,  is portrayed so that you'd think we are supposed to live "victoriously," which means financially, healthfully, and every other kind of "-ly" you can think of.

Key in on how Mark 8:34 starts out: "He summoned the crowd with His disciples." The message Jesus is preaching in these verses was meant for His followers and those who would choose or desire to follow Him.

The cross was a well-known symbol to the people of that time. Nowadays we were them around our necks like jewelry. Back then, the cross was a torture and death device. The closest, modern-day equivalent would be Jesus saying to deny yourself and take up your electric chair.

Jesus was crucified outside of the gates of Jerusalem. The place was called Golgotha. Imagine that you're driving into the city of Los Angeles on say the 101 freeway. As you approach the city limits, all alongside of the freeway are these crosses with men hanging on them dying. That's exactly what the Romans would do. They would place the crosses on major entry points into a city such as Jerusalem so that you knew who is in charge. And if you mess up here, brother, this is what is going to happen to you.

So the people listening to Jesus saying "must deny [yourself], and take up [your] cross and follow Me" knew exactly what He was saying: this isn't a life for the faint-hearted. This isn't a life for those who wish to spend it on themselves. This isn't a life that is to be lived for yourself. And certainly, it isn't your "best life now."

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it." --Mark 8:35.

There are a couple meanings implied here. The first is the obvious: martyrdom. This would have been clearly understood by the people listening to Jesus' words. They could easily count the cost 2,000 years ago.

Today, in the United States, we don't necessarily risk life or limb for the sake of the gospel. Our Constitution protects us (for now) to practice our Christian faith. In other parts of the world--Iran, Iraq, China, etc.--there is a real risk of practicing your faith in Christ.

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" --Mark 8:36-37.

One of the things I love about Jesus is that it's black and white with Him. The message is clear: you are either saving your soul/your eternity, or you are gaining the world and all it's empty promises. So, how much is your soul worth?

"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." --Mark 8:38.

Are you ashamed of Christ? Are you shamed of His Word (the Bible)? Be careful! Unless you repent of this, when you stand before the Almighty, Jesus will be ashamed of you and deny you before His Father!

Repent of your sin, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him! The Christian life may not always be easy, but it lives up to its promises. The world promises everything, but gives you nothing and leaves you empty at the end of it all. And why not? It all belongs to Satan, the father of all lies.

May He Increase!

Categories: Christian Living, Mark
Tags: cross, Persecution, sacrifice, salvation, suffering