Jesus 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. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8:34-36
Challenging words. Tough questions. What’s the point of life? The world’s full of people trying to win, make money, and get ahead. But then what? And at what cost to themselves?
Our beautiful world is scarred with conflict, selfishness and need. The Bible is realistic about the cause. We have left God out, rebelled against Him, and set our minds to value other things. And these “idols” have failed us.
So what about Jesus? The quality of his life and teaching has been admired for 2,000 years. He stands out, unique. Christians believe He was, and is, God’s only Son. But for many He wasn’t a welcome visitor to this world. He was challenging. He still is. He made people uncomfortable. He still does. He was ill-treated, mocked and put to death. Today, His Name is a common swear word.
So, was he just a good man and inspiring teacher?
No. The crucifixion was no accident. It was God’s plan that Jesus would take on Himself the guilt of mankind’s rebellion, its selfishness and pride. Think about it. It’s mind-blowing.
But it’s more than that! Because three days after they thought they were rid of Him, He rose up from His tomb, appeared to many and then returned to His Father.
Incredible? No, in fact the evidence is compelling.
Christians believe this Jesus lives, is Lord, and will one day return. We believe He can transform our lives. We believe the challenge of taking up the cross worth accepting.
Want to know more? Who wouldn’t!