We usually have a notion of what life should be. When reality does not match our idealized picture, then we may become frustrated. To alleviate our frustration, we can either change the external circumstances or we can change our perception of reality. Jesus gave His disciples a picture of the future that caused them to adjust their view of reality. The disciples were looking for a Messiah who would usher in an earthly kingdom. Jesus had a better plan, he would pay the price for their sins and offer them eternal life,

And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. (Mark 8:31-32)

Jesus confronted their misunderstanding head on,

But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” 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 8:33-34)

Can you imagine the disciples reaction? Those were strong words and this was not easy road that Jesus was presenting. These are present tense verbs implying continuous action – keep on denying yourself. Many people want a God who will meet their needs. What is your response to Jesus words? Following Jesus means that you need to say no to yourself. Jesus expands this principle in the next verse,

“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. 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 8:35-37)

Jesus teaches you how to save your life. Paradoxically, the more you live for your own security, interests, and pleasures, then you will lose your life. Conversely, if you live for Jesus and the Gospel, then you will find life as it was meant to be. Too many people are consumed with climbing the ladder of success only to find it leaning against the wrong wall. Your present actions have a direct impact on your future condition.

The essence of life is stepping out in faith and living for Jesus; not playing it safe and being concerned with your own comfort. Don’t sacrifice eternity for momentary pleasures. You may save yourself much heartache if you are living in light of eternity. Jim Elliot was a Christian missionary who understood the truth of this passage as he recorded in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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