THE HUB

Pick Up Your Cross

Devotional

What does it mean to follow Jesus? It's a brand New Year, and yet Jesus' expectations of us are no different. Following Jesus isn't just something you simple say to yourself or tell other people, it's way deeper... Mark 8 provides keen insight for what it looks like to be a Christian from Jesus Himself. Unpack the beautiful gifts of discipleship and freedom that we have in our Lord Jesus Christ.

34 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. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

MARK 8:34-38

Questions:

  • What stands out to you the most about Jesus’ expectations in this passage?
  • In your own words, how would you describe self denial and cross bearing?
  • “To cling to the things which humanity naturally values most, is the way to forfeit true life.” What are your thoughts or reactions to this quote?
  • What would you say are some examples of societal values?
  • In what way(s), if any, have you been tempted to cling to societal values?
  • In your experience, how have you noticed those values distracting you from following Jesus?
  • How can you grow in getting help from this group when those distractions arise?

Practice The Way of Jesus:

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus made it practice to address the "one thing" or the one obstacle in people's lives, so that they might follow him (Mark 10:17–31, John 4:1-26 & Acts 9:1-19). This week, take a moment to reflect on that one thing in your life. Consider what it will look like to disown that one thing and remember change comes to those who decide to change.