– Scripture:

Jesus warned them to keep it quiet, not to breathe a word of it to anyone. He then began explaining things to them: “It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and after three days rise up alive.” He said this and clearly so they couldn’t miss it. But Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter. “Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works.” Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Please don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? “If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels.” Then he drove it home by saying, “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force.”

                               Mark 8:30–9:1 MSG

– Reflection:

Several pieces of scripture feel like a gut punch when you read them. While it’s my hope that you are never punched in the gut, there are some passages of scripture that take the air out of your lungs, make your palms sweat, and even make you have to sit and think. I think this is one of those. The implications of what is being said here are huge. If you want to save your life, you’ll lose it. If you lose your life for Jesus’ sake and for the sake of the gospel, then you’ll keep it. What do you gain by getting all the power and wealth in the world just to forfeit your life? I mean, really. This is a matter of life and death. Well … sort of.

Where do we go from Here?

This is a walk that is not done alone. Your church walks with you, your pastors walk with you, and this journey is not meant for you to shoulder by yourself. I invite you to think of the ways that you are called to a life of service and think about the ways that you can make a difference. Together, we can create the world a place of love, justice, and peace for all!

Our Prayer for Today

Father, give us the ability to strive for a selfless way of living. May we heed your call to live in service for others, in a way that glorifies you. Amen.