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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:34-35

Read: Mark 8:34–37

Listen: Mark 8

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Immediately after teaching his disciples about his mission, Jesus brings the same message to the crowds. Box the actions today on journal pages 75–76 to see a simple message. If we want to follow Jesus, the path includes the humility to love our enemies, serve others and suffer for his name. Simple to understand—but terribly difficult to do.

Australian Pastor John Dickson tells us no one should be better “losers” than Christians. This applies when we don’t get our way at work, we’re hurt by our family, we get passed up on the promotion, when schools go back to virtual or when things in the world don’t go our way. We should be the best in these times because we follow Jesus—not to get where we are going but to get where he is going. So even in these difficult moments, we get the opportunity to pick up our cross, deny ourselves and follow our Messiah.

When we do, this attracts those outside our faith. Pastor John told us that we will never persuade people about the Gospel until we look like the Gospel. We shine a spotlight on Jesus when we respond with grace, patience and forgiveness in challenging situations. Let us be people who highlight our Messiah by following him on his mission of suffering and service.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

We have been reading about Jesus for weeks now and hopefully begun to see him and his character more clearly. As we gather tomorrow somehow with family and friends, let us show who Jesus is to those we come in contact with. Pick an attribute of Jesus and show it tomorrow (some examples might being gentle, gracious, patient, peaceful, forgiving or loving).

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.