Mark 8:34
Obviously, Jesus taught many things as a result of current events. This passage about living for Christ is a teaching Jesus purposely gave on the heels of his revelation about his crucifixion. It explains to the disciples how that they should be ready to give thier lives as well.
What Jesus is saying here would have been pretty hard to swallow for his hearers. To deny oneself is a noble goal that any religious person might aspire to. But, the taking up of the cross along with it indicates more than aspiration is being called for. Those who were crucified were made to carry their cross to the place of crucifixion. So to carry one’s cross indicates complete dedication to the destination. In other words, Jesus is not calling for fine religious aspiration, he wants absolute personal surrender.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the sacrifice of Christ! We will praise you for this for all of eternity. That you would even plan all of this is so amazing, and it reveals your love so much. We will praise you with our lives. I will live for him who died for me! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.