Mark 8:34-38 “Carrying One’s Own Cross”

Mark 8:34-38 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Chris Tomlin – I Will Follow
• Christ is Enough – Hillsong Worship
• Scars – I Am They

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Daily Gospel Reading Video – St. Mark 8:34-38,9:1. – Bible Drama
• Praise Ye The Lord Hallelujah  – Song for Kids
• Let’s Get A Little Crazy | Kingdom Rock VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I Have Decided | Cave Quest VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After telling Peter and the disciples not to stand in his way, Jesus continues speaking by calling the crowd together with his disciples. To follow the Messiah properly, first, one must “deny oneself” (v. 34). This means laying down one’s own philosophy, beliefs, goals, and ambitions and submitting to Jesus in obedience. It is about prioritizing “the things of God” over “the things of man.” Second, one must “take up their cross” and follow Jesus. Denying oneself inevitably leads to discomfort, loss, misunderstanding, and persecution. That is what it means to carry “one’s own cross.” It is not something that anyone else can carry on your behalf.

The verb “follow” (akoloutheō) is used twice in this passage, both in the present tense. In Greek, the present tense signifies ongoing, continuous action. Following Jesus, the Messiah, is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment that must be carried out daily until one’s last breath. This means that self-denial and the suffering that comes with it must be embraced continually, every day. Without being prepared for this ongoing commitment, one cannot follow Jesus to the end.

Becoming a disciple of Jesus is like “losing one’s life” (v. 35). Those with a strong sense of self often feel as if they are being destroyed when their ego is denied. However, when the self dies, and Jesus Christ is welcomed in its place, a new life begins—one that extends into eternity.

On the other hand, “whoever wants to save their life” refers to those who cannot let go of their own self-will. Such a person follows their own desires, living a futile and deceitful life, ultimately leading to eternal death.

The phrase “gain the whole world” (v. 36) refers to success and prosperity in this present life. Many people refuse to let go of their self-will because they are focused on the benefits and advantages of this world. However, “losing one’s life” means failing to live a truly meaningful life and ultimately missing out on eternal life. If there is nothing worth exchanging for one’s physical life, then how much more is this true for true and eternal life (v. 37)? Nothing in this world, no matter how valuable, can compare to the true and eternal life found in Jesus Christ.

Jesus laments over “this adulterous and sinful generation” (v. 38). Because people see the physical world and material possessions as everything and seek only their own benefit, sin has spread throughout the world. In such a world, following Jesus, the Messiah, requires the willingness to face discomfort, loss, misunderstanding, and persecution. This is why those with weak faith feel ashamed of Jesus and His words.

Jesus gives a stern warning about such an attitude: “The Son of Man will also be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” This statement reveals the meaning behind Jesus’ use of the title “Son of Man.” He will return just as Daniel saw in his vision—in glory and power. On that day, he will honor those who have believed in him and endured to the end. However, those who were ashamed of Jesus and his words may not share in his glory. This would mean eternal loss and sorrow.

Meditation:

Jesus rebuked Peter, saying, “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns!” (v. 33). After this, Jesus goes on to explain the difference between thinking about “human concerns” and thinking about “God’s concerns.”

Thinking about human concerns means focusing solely on one’s own safety and worldly benefits. This happens when a person is consumed by self-centeredness because our self is naturally corrupted by selfishness. A self-centered heart is only interested in protecting and elevating itself. It evaluates people based on whether they bring benefit or harm. It approaches every situation by measuring how much personal advantage can be gained.

In contrast, thinking about God’s concerns means seeking and prioritizing God’s will above all else. However, God’s will often conflicts with the desires of the self. A heart corrupted by selfishness seeks only personal gain, whereas God calls us to give up our own benefits for the sake of others. Those who seek after God’s concerns must continually deny their selfish desires. This requires a willingness to face loss and discomfort, and at times, it may lead to criticism, rejection, and even persecution from others. Jesus calls this “taking up one’s cross.”

Denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and living for God’s will—just as Jesus did—can only be done with faith in God’s existence and His kingdom. One must believe that eternal life is greater than earthly life and that there is an eternal world beyond the material one. It is essential to understand that the ultimate goal of life is to gain eternal life and to be found in God’s everlasting kingdom. Only with this faith can a person joyfully endure loss, discomfort, rejection, and persecution while carrying out God’s work. This is the way a disciple of Jesus is called to live.

Prayer:

Lord, today we see how tightly wound our self-centered nature is, like a coiled spring. Every day, we try to loosen it through prayer and meditation on your Word, but before we know it, it has tightened once more. In our hearts, we desire to focus on your work, yet our lips and hands so easily turn back to the ways of the world. Oh, Lord, have mercy on us. Use your Word as a hammer to straighten our twisted hearts. Help us to carry our own crosses and endure to the end, just as you did. Lord, strengthen us and lead us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Following Jesus means denying ourselves, carrying our own cross, and living for God’s will every day. This can be difficult because it requires putting aside our own desires, facing challenges, and sometimes feeling left out. But when we trust in Jesus and his promise of eternal life, we can find true joy and purpose in following him.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • What do you think Jesus meant when he said we should “follow him”?
  • Why do you think Jesus wants us to put others before ourselves?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • Jesus said we should “take up our cross.” What do you think that means in your life?
  • Can you think of a time when doing the right thing for God was hard but worth it?
• For High School
  • Jesus tells us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. What might this look like in your daily life at school, with friends, or at home?
  • How can we, as a church community, support each other in following Jesus, even when it’s challenging?