Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Cost of Discipleship


Tuesday, March 20 – Read Mark 8:27-38

The question of just who Jesus is comes to a head for the disciples as Jesus asks them first who the crowds think that he is, and then who they say that he is. Peter makes the confession that has been building through the story of Jesus’ ministry: “You are the Messiah – or the Christ. Then almost ironically, Jesus orders the disciples to not to reveal his identity to anyone. And he goes on to tell them that he must suffer and be rejected under the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then after three days rise again. Apparently Peter hears only the suffering and death part and protests. But Jesus addresses the disciples and tells them that Peter is not thinking like God, but like humans. And then Jesus talks about the cost of discipleship. He says that his followers must shoulder their own cross and follow him. He says that those who seek to save their life will lose it, but that all who will sacrifice their life for his sake will save it. For what profit can it be to trade your life to gain the world?

Reflection Questions: When Peter protests that Jesus should not give up his life he speaks for all humanity. Only the logic of God can make sense out of what Jesus is doing. When do you feel torn between the logic of humans and the logic of God? When do you have to resist trading the integrity of your soul in order to make a worldly gain?

Prayer: Dear God, give me the courage to follow Jesus even if it means standing alone against the ways of the world. In his amazing name of love I pray. Amen.   

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