Calling the Crowd
Mark 8:34-38

For months now, a lot of people have been following Jesus. Or at least hanging out around him. The miracles have been impressive and the teaching authoritative. His run-ins with the religious hot shots have been entertaining. And who wouldn’t enjoy a free fish and chips meal on a scenic hillside? People have been compelled at least by their curiosity, if not their appetite, to follow, listen, watch, and eat.

But soon Jesus will return to Judea. His opposition will grow more vocal and their hatred more intense. Death awaits him in Judea.

So, he calls the crowd together. They needed to know that following him would require self-denial, carrying a cross, losing their life, and suffering shame before men. For the teacher they have celebrated will soon be humiliated on a cross.

They would have to decide if they were willing to follow Jesus in his suffering. So will we.