“Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”‭‭

Mark‬ ‭8:34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s day eight of “Mark, one chapter ad day for Easter.” here at Refocused Bible Study. If you missed the details of the study, you can find them here. We’d love for you to join us!

Today verses 34-38 stuck out the most to me, especially verse 34:

This command from Jesus comes after he tells his apostles he must suffer and die. He rebuks Peter when he he says, “never!”

Jesus was willing to do whatever it took to fufill his calling and assignment.

Isaiah prophesied this about him:

“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭50:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Then Jesus himself declared:

“As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:51‬ ‭NLT‬‬

His face set like stone.

Resolute.

Determined to do God’s will.

This is the way Jesus was ready to endure suffering to fufill his mission because he loved us.

Because he loves us.

Let’s just sit right there for today, meditating and marveling at his determination to bring us salvation.

May it spark an organic desire in us to follow him with the unselfish determination he calls us to have.

What was your verse of the day?