SCRIPTURE:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Mark 8:34–35
OBSERVATION:
After performing a series of miracles, Jesus reminds His disciples that the ultimate purpose behind every act of power is not admiration or applause, but salvation and transformation. The miracles were never meant to be the endgame, they were signs pointing toward repentance and new life.
Do I really have a genuine and steadfast commitment to follow Jesus this way? Do I want to be used by Him as a vessel of His power, not for my comfort but solely for His glory? If I’m honest, recognition feels good. I like when my efforts are noticed, when my service gets recognized. Yet, here Jesus calls me to deny all of that, to lay down not only my burdens and fears but also my trophies and rewards. True discipleship means surrendering both my pain and my pride.
APPLICATION:
To live this out, I need transformation at the deepest level. My basic instincts are to take, not give; to seek comfort, not sacrifice. So, this will be a lifelong process. But today, I can start intentionally with a couple basics to invert my instincts:
- Remember— Recall the depth of my sin and the greatness of Jesus’ mercy.
- Repent— Continually turn from self-centered motives, moment by moment.
- Recharge— Stay rooted in Scripture, where my thoughts align with His and my heart softens toward obedience.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me. Teach me to die to myself daily so that Your life may shine through me. Let every act, every word, and every motive bring glory to You alone. Amen
