THE TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

Mark 8:34

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

 

INTRODUCTION

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus called people to become His Disciples Mk 1:16-18 & Mk 1:19-20.

1. At the conclusion of His ministry, Jesus sent His apostles to make more Disciples Mt 28:19 & Mt 28:20.
2. In the text for this lesson, we find Jesus discussing the issue of discipleship having just predicted His own suffering, death, and resurrection – Mk 8:31 and telling His disciples and others what is the cost of discipleship – Mk 8:34-35
3. ONE MUST DENY SELF

To deny sinful self, ungodliness, and worldly lusts; and part with them, and his former sinful companions, which were as a part of himself – Gill. To deny righteous self, and renounce all his own works of

righteousness, in the business of justification and salvation. To deny self with its self-righteous pride and sinful lust from dominating you.

1. ONE MUST TAKE UP HIS CROSS
2. To voluntarily and decisively accept the pain, shame, and persecution that is going to be one’s particular-note: his, not someone else’s-lot because of his loyalty to Christ and his cause – Hendriksen
3. To cheerfully receive, and patiently bear, every affliction and evil, however shameful and painful it may be, which is appointed for him, and he is called unto; which is his peculiar cross, as every Christian has his own; to which he should quietly submit, and carry, with an entire resignation to the will of God, in imitation of his Lord – Gill
4. The cross is to be born “daily”, indicating Jesus was speaking metaphorically – cf. Lk 9:23

— To gladly endure whatever hardship one may receive in service to Christ!

III. ONE MUST FOLLOW JESUS

1. To become His disciple, seeking to become like Him – Lk 6:40; cf. Ro 8:29; 13:14
2. To accept Him as Lord, doing what He says – Lk 6:46; cf. Col 3:17
3. To walk in His footsteps, even at great cost – 1Pe 2:21-25

— To become a Christian, to let Jesus be your Lord and mentor

CONCLUSION

1. The cost of discipleship may seem rather high…
2. One must deny self
3. One must take up one’s cross
4. One must follow Jesus

 

2. But as Jesus explains, there are only two choices… – Mk 8:35
3. One can try to save his life himself, but will end up losing it – cf. Jn 8:24
4. One can lose his life for Jesus’ sake and the gospel’s, and wind up saving it! – cf. Re 2:10

 

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses

his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. – Mk 8:35

 

In view of eternity, there is only one viable choice: endure the high

cost of discipleship, and receive the blessings of eternal life…!