If everything in life has its price, time, career, success, then how much does following Jesus really cost? This sermon takes us through the eighth chapter of Mark’s Gospel (Mark 8), where Jesus, without any marketing tricks, says it plainly: whoever wants to follow him must deny himself and take up his cross. From the amusing complaints of national park tourists to the moving story of missionary Jim Elliot, we hear that the price of discipleship is high, but the price of not following turns out to be even higher. Listen and count the cost, you may discover that by giving up everything, you gain a life no one can ever take from you.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Jesus speaks the words of Mark 8:34-38 publicly, to the crowd, at the height of His popularity. What did the call to take up one's cross mean to the first listeners, when the cross stood for shame and death?
- Peter rebukes Jesus because, in his view, the Messiah was meant to triumph, not suffer. What difference do you see between human thinking and God's thinking, which Jesus points to in this scene?
- The sermon compared some Christians to tourists who wanted nature without rocks or uphill trails, and to vegetarians who eat meat when they like it. In which areas of life are you most tempted toward that kind of selective obedience?
- The sermon said that following Jesus is not about trying harder every day, but about dying to self every day. How do you understand that difference, and what does it change in the way you approach your faith?
- Marek turned down a promotion, choosing what matters more over what gives more. What do you think is the cost of not following Jesus, and where might you be at risk of losing your soul while gaining something else?
- Where this week, at work, at school, or among friends, can you openly stand with Jesus instead of protecting your reputation?
