No Cheap Seats Mark 8

No Cheap Seats   Mark 8:34-38  EBC  3/30/08

  I. Jesus Gives us a Plan (8:34)

  Jesus says if you want to truly follow me there are some requirements:

  A. Come after me-

    1. When Jesus said these words I believe His disciples remembered His remarks to them.

      a. Matt. 4:19- Peter and Andrew. For 2 ½ years they had forsaken all and had followed Him Matt. 4:21-22

    2. To the rest of the crowd that day it was a day to make a commitment. It was a call to turn their backs on everything else and follow Him.

    3. Being born again is far more than saying a prayer at the altar. True salvation is about a commitment to leave the old life behind and follow Jesus

      a. 2 Cor. 5:17-

  B. Take up His cross-

    1. This phrase had much meaning in Jesus day. It is estimated that 30,000 people dies on a cross. It was an instrument of shame, humiliation and suffering.

    2. When Jesus tells us to take up our cross He is calling us to die to ourselves.

      a. Gal. 2:20-

    3. Someone has said “we take up our cross when we:

      a. chose to live the narrow way over the way of the world regardless of the cost

      b. when we chose to live out Biblical ethics in our personal lives and business relationships regardless of the cost

      c. when we are willing to suffer any attack for Jesus sake. Many are willing to compromise when it makes their life a little easier.

    4. To take up your cross means that you are willing to identify yourself with Jesus Christ no matter what it costs you personally or financially.   

  4. Follow Him – the true disciple is willing to lay down everything for the glory of God.

    a. Can we say we are committed to Christ when other things come before Him? Can we say we are following Him when we do as we please?

II. Jesus Show us a Problem (35-37)

  Jesus is trying to show us that the spiritual aspect of things is much more important than the material side.

  A. You can live your life as you see fit.  You can call all the shots. You can be your own boss. You can do as you please, living your life on your own terms, but in the end, you will lose.

  B. On the other hand you can commit your way to the Lord. The rewards are great.

  C. Someone has said,” in God’s economy losers are keepers”.

  D. In VS.36,37 – Jesus asks a question, “ what is the worth of a soul?” Are you willing to trade your eternal soul for some alcohol or drugs? Are you willing to trade your soul for some sexual relationship? Are you willing to trade your soul for the right to do as you please and live life on your own terms? Are you willing to spend eternity in Hell for a few years of being your own god?

  E. When we reach the end of our journey all that will matter is what is our relationship with Him?