Mark 8:34-35
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Scripture Insights
I have learned that as I grow and mature in Christ, he is calling me from becoming a fan of Jesus to a follower of Jesus. I find most Christians are very thankful for the gift of forgiveness and salvation that is offered through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
However, to really receive and embrace the gift of salvation I need to become a disciple of Jesus and not just an onlooker or spectator. The season of Lent reminds us of our sinfulness and mortality, which in turn reminds us of our desperate need of God’s grace and forgiveness.
In addition, the season of Lent invites us to follow Jesus into the shadow of the cross. As Jesus journeys in Lent to the cross, the call to be a disciple (follower) of Jesus is to follow Jesus in faithful obedience. In these verses we recognize that our call to Christian discipleship does not seek our own safety and security and comfort. Rather, we are called to offer all our life to God, no matter what the cost of obedience might be.
Today’s Prayer
God, we thank you for the gift of salvation. As you are the source of all life, we ask that you provide us the courage and wisdom into how we can more faithfully be your disciples in the world, resisting fear and embracing love.
—Brent
Peterson Dean, College of Theology and Christian Ministries, Northwest Nazarene University (Idaho)
