Read Mark 8:34-38

“When [Jesus] had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”” (Mark 8:34)

Much has been said about the meaning of Christ's words here on discipleship. Camps have been divided on its interpretation. Is there a difference between a Christian and a disciple, or are they one in the same? Are Christ's words regarding the salvation of a man, or concerning the duty of a Christian? How literally are Christ's words to be taken?

As with most biblical texts, the answer to all of these questions can be answered by paying attention to the context. Jesus is addressing both the crowds of people and His own disciples, which gives us the first clue. Following our key verse, He goes on to speak of how the gospel saves both the life and the soul of a man (see Mark 8:35-37), which gives us another clear clue. And finally, He closes His discourse by discussing His Second Coming, that those who are ashamed of Christ's words will themselves experience shame in the final judgment (see Mark 8:38).

Thus, the essence of the whole context is about the eternal state of the soul, by which we can conclude that our key verse on discipleship is as well. If we're honest with the Scriptures, Christ does not give any room for the difference between a Christian and a Disciple. To Christ, there were, simply, only disciples. Therefore, the distinction between Christians and disciples is a man-made one, not one ever thought of by our Lord. Our souls are redeemed, and as such we enter into the wonderful work of discipleship.

At the risk of belaboring the point, this is further established at the Great Commission when Christ says,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

With the context established, let us quickly come to understand Christ's threefold teaching about discipleship. “Whoever desires to come after Me, let Him deny Himself, take up His cross, and follow Me."

First, we can observe, is the clear denial of self. No man can truly come to Christ who does not first recognize his own sinfulness and selfishness. He must see that Christ's gift of gracious salvation and sanctification is his greatest need. This leads him to see no sufficiency in himself, but rather, must trade his life for Christ’s.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Second, we further observe, is the taking up the cross. These words probably took the crowds aback. Whatever could He mean by this? Contextually, this was an extraordinary statement. We must remember that when Christ spoke these words He had not yet gone to the cross, nor was any part of Jesus identified with the cross. It wasn't a religious symbol or even an attractive emblem. It was detested as a heathen form of capital punishment.

Christ, by saying these words, paints a graphic picture, but is a clear one. To come after Christ would require putting your old self to death.

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24)

Third, and last of all, we must observe, is the call to follow Jesus! The purpose of denial of self and death to self is to open wide the glorious doors to follow the King of kings!

When we take a closer look at the verbs, we learn that the first two actions of denial and death are one-time actions, while the last verb to follow is an ongoing action. We must deny ourself, take up our cross, and keep on following! To follow Christ is the life pursuit of discipleship.

Dear Christian, you are a disciple of Christ! You have placed your trust in the Savior. Your old man of sin has been crucified with Christ (see Romans 6:6), and you are a new creation in Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Your eternity is secure with Him in the heavens! (see 1 Peter 1:3-4) Praises be to our God, that because you have placed your trust in Him, you now get the wonderful privilege of following Him! "To know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge” is now your glorious pursuit — day in and day out — “that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God!" (see Ephesians 3:19)

Is your life described by this pursuit of Christ? Are you running the race of faith with endurance, looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of your faith? (see Hebrews 12:1-2)

Pursue Him, Beloved! Go after the Him! In the words of missionary martyr Jim Elliot, “Walk as if the next step would carry you across the threshold of Heaven.”

Christ is the fairest among all mankind, the pearl of great price, the Morning Star of Righteousness. Beloved, only pursuing Christ you will experience the true marvels of discipleship.

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him…” (Philippians 3:8)

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