What Will People Give In Exchange for Their Lives?
Jesus gets real.
Mark 8:34-9:1
We could probably spend a week on this short passage, pondering the questions Jesus asks and the imperatives he lays out.
The concept of leadership, as it exists in those Western circles infatuated with it, is certainly different today than it was in Jesus’ time.1 This is no more clear than in what Jesus says in this passage about those who would follow him. It is all the more evident when we remember that Jesus will go on to exemplify each and every descriptor he gives.
Deny thyself? Check.
Take up your cross? Check.
Lose his life? Check.
Gain the world? No way. (So…check.)
It’s perhaps the most striking thing about Jesus’ leadership example: he sets the tone by doing it himself.
Mark 8:34-9:1
After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them. Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Human One will be ashamed of that person when he comes in the Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Jesus continued, “I assure you that some standing here won’t die before they see God’s kingdom arrive in power.”
Prayer
God,
Help us to understand the teachings of Jesus. We want to follow his example of putting others first, even when it's hard. Give us the courage to do what's right, even if it means giving up things we want.
Show us how to live in a way that brings hope and love to those around us. Help us not to be ashamed of believing in Jesus and his message of love.
As we live each day, help us to remember that following Jesus isn't always easy, but it is always right. Help us to look forward to the day when all things will be made right in the world.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
The closest thing in the 1st century to the high and lofty standards of “leadership” sought after today is within the Roman Empire and its structure of government and military. This, in and of itself, should be a lesson to the Church about whether to chase after the things of “leadership” (or not).