City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

³⁴ And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶ For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? ³⁷ For what can a man give in return for his soul?

Mark 8:34-27 (ESV)

Aisha’s Analysis

In the disciples’ day, given an opportunity to follow Jesus was like getting a full ride to Harvard. Jesus was a premier rabbi that everyone was watching/talking about. Even at the tender age of 12, Jesus was running circles around the seasoned teachers at the temple (Luke 2:47). 

It is no wonder the twelve disciples dropped everything to follow Jesus. However, they probably paused at Jesus’ statement in the verses above: If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it (Mark 8:34-35 NLT). 

In those days, picking up a cross was the equivalent of picking up an electric chair. Crucifixion is arguably one of the most painful ways to die, and Jesus was telling them to pick up a cross? It must have seemed insane. 

However, as the twelve disciples continued walking with Jesus throughout His life, death, burial, and resurrection, we see the transformative power of Jesus’ discipleship in their lives. Let’s look at Peter as a case in point. Peter started as a ragtag fisherman who often acted impetuously and spoke out of turn. Walking with Jesus transformed him into a kind and caring shepherd who loved deeply and learned how to submit to God. 

When Jesus first picked out the twelve disciples, one might have thought He was a poor judge of character. But Jesus doesn’t only see us for what we are right now. He sees what we are and what we’re becoming. He sees the Kingdom He’s building inside of us–a Kingdom in which He sits on the throne and rules in our lives. 

Application

Don’t underestimate the transformative power of the Gospel and the powerful effects of walking with God. Hanging out with Jesus will change your life for the better. It may not always feel that way. You may have to pick up a cross and crucify the desires of your flesh. However, don’t let that stop you from experiencing the resurrection life we have in Jesus. A resurrected life is a better life. God has brought us back to life in Jesus. Now, let’s surrender it to Him. 

Prayer

Father God, thank You for sending Your Son to be my Savior. If it weren’t for Him, I’d be a goner. Before You, I was completely lost. Thank You for finding me. I want to spend the rest of my days pursuing You and all that You are. I trust You to transform me in the process. In Jesus’ name, amen.