Mark 8:31-36
“He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.“
Then Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?
Mark 8:31-36
In this passage Jesus teaches his disciples that it is necessary for him to suffer and die on the cross. He then calls them to follow him in the way of sacrifice.
What does Jesus’ teaching show us about his character?
How did Peter respond to Jesus’ teaching? Why do you think he responded that way?
What are some ways that you can deny yourself and follow Jesus today?
PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK
O Lord Jesus, you entered history to carry the cross and walk the way of suffering. Help us to die to ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow you into the world to love and serve our neighbors and even our enemies. Amen.