BSFL Sunday School Commentary for the week of September 27, 2009

The Results of Knowing Jesus        Mark 8,9,10

How long does it take to grow a disciple? John Mark, author of the gospel that bears his name, is known for his frequent use of the word "immediately" (some translations use 'straightway'). However, you won't find it anywhere near a teaching on discipleship. Disciples are not born (they ARE born again!), they are made. Discipleship is a deliberate process of following Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into His likeness. It is no coincidence that 'discipline' and 'disciple' are similar words. One concept is inseparably linked to the other. Discipleship requires lifelong discipline.

Jesus did not paint an easy picture for those who would be His disciples. He set the bar high, and we in the modern church have no authority to lower it. Although this lesson includes teaching passages from Mark 8,9, & 10, Jesus' statement in Mark 8:34 contains the complete recipe of discipleship. The illustration of the cross is an all-encompassing image of self-denial, service, and suffering. Jesus explicitly said that to be His follower was no picnic. How much of that is hidden in modern-day evangelism and church-growth philosophies?

Jesus taught in Mark 8:34-38 that self-denial is the only path to a life worth living. How else do we "find our life" but through spending it for the cause of Christ? We do not find it in wealth, possessions, escapism, physical gratification, popularity, business, worldly success, family, or even church. (Let's face it; we do not deny ourselves much at church.) Jesus modeled self-denial as no one else possibly could. He denied Himself many of the prerogatives, and even the very presence of, Deity. The passage in Philippians 2:6-11 is the landmark description of just how low Jesus stooped to reach our level of living. But in stooping to our physical level, He boosted us to His spiritual level, as evidenced in the latter portion of the Philippians passage mentioned earlier. In like manner, our life of self-denial in following Jesus is the pathway by which we find ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction in this life, and in the life to come. We "find our life" (Mark 8:35).

In Mark 9:33-37 Jesus sets a child in the midst of His disciples and challenges their willingness to serve. In the culture of that day children held no status and few rights, viewed almost as property by their families. Jesus declared that the greatest among us is the one ready to serve the least among us. Again, Mark 8:34 challenges us to serve unselfishly like Jesus by following Him in a cross-bearing manner of living. What is cross-bearing? It is sacrificial service to all, even the least in society's hierarchy.

In Mark 10:32-34 Jesus warns His disciples for the third time about His impending arrest, abuse, and crucifixion. Jesus was obviously fixed on this series of events that lay just ahead. Although not relishing the prospect of suffering, He was able to accept it as the will of the Father. Again, this is brought out in Mark 8:34. Taking up the cross means a willingness to accept suffering for the cause of Christ.

I continually wrestle with these burdensome concepts. I find that I deny myself little, like being served, and avoid suffering at all costs far more often than otherwise. I have also discovered that when I do seek to follow Jesus with a Mark 8:34 devotion I realize more peace, fulfillment, passion, joy, and contentment than ever before. The battle rages between my stubborn flesh that desires to be happy, and the Spirit within, Who desires that I be holy. Momentary happiness from self-gratification in between struggles, or lasting contentment and peace that prevails through all of my circumstances. It seems this would be an easy choice. At times it is; other times it represents the greatest of struggles. But one of the supreme results of knowing Jesus is experiencing progress in the struggle. Over time, I see myself choosing to follow Jesus more and myself less. I relish more victory over self; I enjoy greater peace; I begin to understand settled contentment; I see more Kingdom usefulness. And in these things I "find my life".