Mark 8:34
Verse
Context
Take Up Your Cross
33But Jesus, turning and looking at His disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”34Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whosoever will come after me - It seems that Christ formed, on the proselytism of the Jews, the principal qualities which he required in the proselytes of his covenant. The first condition of proselytism among the Jews was, that he that came to embrace their religion should come voluntarily, and that neither force nor influence should be employed in this business. This is also the first condition required by Jesus Christ, and which he considers as the foundation of all the rest: - If a man be willing to come after me. The second condition required in the Jewish proselyte was, that he should perfectly renounce all his prejudices, his errors, his idolatry, and every thing that concerned his false religion; and that he should entirely separate himself from his most intimate friends and acquaintances. It was on this ground that the Jews called proselytism a new birth, and proselytes new-born, and new men; and our Lord requires men to be born again, not only of water, but by the Holy Ghost. See Joh 3:5. All this our Lord includes in this word, Let him renounce himself. To this the following scriptures refer: Mat 10:33; Joh 3:3, Joh 3:5, Co2 5:17. The third condition on which a person was admitted into the Jewish Church as a proselyte was, that he should submit to the yoke of the Jewish law, and bear patiently the inconveniences and sufferings with which a profession of the Mosaic religion might be accompanied. Christ requires the same condition; but, instead of the yoke of the law, he brings in his own doctrine, which he calls his yoke, Mat 11:29 : and his cross, the taking up of which not only implies a bold profession of Christ crucified, but also a cheerful submitting to all the sufferings and persecutions to which he might be exposed, and even to death itself. The fourth condition was, that they should solemnly engage to continue in the Jewish religion, faithful even unto death. This condition Christ also requires; and it is comprised in this word, Let him Follow me. See the following verses; and see, on the subject of proselytism, Rut 1:16, Rut 1:17 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he had called the people unto him,.... Who, it seems, followed him out of Galilee, from Bethsaida, and these parts; for it was in the way from thence to Caesarea Philippi, that Christ had this conversation with his disciples; who walked together alone, the multitude following at some distance; and the private conversation being ended, Christ called, or beckoned to the people, to come nearer to him: with his disciples also; for what he was about to say, concerned them both: whosoever will come after me; in a spiritual sense, as this multitude did in a natural one, and which is the same as to be a disciple of his: let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me; signifying, that his followers must deny themselves of worldly advantages, and suffer many things, as well as he, which he had been but just before acquainting his disciples with; See Gill on Mat 16:24.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:34-38 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples and the crowd lays out the cost of being his follower. • To give up your own way involves letting Jesus determine your goals and purposes in life. To take up your cross is metaphorical (cp. Luke 9:23); it indicates that faithfulness to Jesus must extend, if required, even to the point of death. To follow Jesus’ teaching and example is a continual commitment.
Mark 8:34
Take Up Your Cross
33But Jesus, turning and looking at His disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”34Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Crusade 1957
By Billy Graham44K09:05PSA 51:10PRO 6:18ISA 1:18JER 17:10EZK 36:26MAT 15:8MAT 22:37MRK 8:34ROM 3:232CO 5:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highlighting the need for repentance, humility, and a new heart through Christ. The message stresses the significance of acknowledging our sins, renouncing self, and accepting God's transformative power to experience forgiveness, new life, and a restored relationship with Him.
Radical Risk, Radical Reward
By David Platt12K1:01:06RadicalMAT 5:16MAT 28:19MRK 8:34LUK 14:25JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 10:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the vast spiritual and physical needs in the world, including the death of thousands of children due to preventable causes. He argues that the integrity of one's faith is measured by their concern for those in need. The speaker asserts that if the Bible is true and these needs exist, then there is no time to waste on a comfortable Christian lifestyle. He calls for radical sacrifice and urgency in fulfilling the mission given by God. The sermon also highlights the importance of knowing and loving God deeply, as demonstrated by the example of a man who sells everything he has to obtain a valuable treasure.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - Bridge of Hope
By K.P. Yohannan4.7K14:19Bridge Of HopeMAT 6:33MAT 16:24MRK 8:34MRK 10:21LUK 9:23LUK 14:33In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his journey of detaching himself from materialism and worldly cares. He emphasizes the importance of living for Christ and evaluating every aspect of life in light of eternity and the lost world. The speaker shares a powerful story of a little boy in India who found hope and love in a Christian center, and how he believed that Jesus could heal his dying mother. The sermon encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with God and be willing to embrace the cross for the sake of spreading the message of Jesus to the world.
The Lordship of Jesus Christ
By Oswald J. Smith3.3K1:00:54Lordship Of Jesus ChristMAT 6:33MAT 10:37MAT 16:24MAT 22:37MRK 8:34LUK 9:23LUK 14:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and comfort found in the name of Jesus. He encourages the audience to believe in Jesus and rely on him to overcome their fears and heal their broken hearts. The speaker also mentions the upcoming message on devil worship and expresses curiosity about seeing pictures of the devil. He then appeals to the television audience for support in keeping the telecast going, highlighting the importance of the program for those who depend on it for their spiritual life.
(Basics) 7. Repentance
By Zac Poonen3.1K12:51MAT 6:24MRK 8:34LUK 14:33ACT 3:19ROM 2:42CO 7:101TH 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difficulty people have in asking for forgiveness due to their pride. He explains that in order to receive forgiveness from God, one must turn towards Him and away from their old way of life. Repentance is described as a simple act of turning around, just like in a military parade. The speaker also highlights the importance of genuine repentance, which is demonstrated through actions and a willingness to make amends with others. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that forgiveness is not cheap, as it required the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Freedom Cd - Track 6 (Compilation)
By Compilations2.7K06:41CompilationMAT 6:33MAT 10:38MAT 16:21MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23JHN 8:34In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of how he was once addicted to sin but found freedom in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of making a decision to follow Jesus and surrendering one's life to Him. The speaker encourages the audience, especially young people, to give Jesus a chance to transform their lives. He also mentions the challenges he faced for his faith but acknowledges that Jesus has been with him every step of the way. The sermon references the Bible verse where Jesus explains to his disciples that he must suffer and be killed but will be raised to life on the third day, and emphasizes the need to deny oneself and follow Jesus.
It Will Cost You Everything
By Steven J. Lawson2.6K11:03MAT 6:24MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23LUK 14:26This sermon emphasizes the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, highlighting that it will require giving up popularity, promotions, an easy life, and the need for discipline and self-control. It stresses the importance of saying no to temptation, the world, and standing alone for Christ, even in the face of persecution. The speaker underscores the necessity of surrendering all possessions and transferring ownership of one's life, time, possessions, future, and treasure to Christ, meeting His terms of peace through complete surrender.
K-049 Weakness
By Art Katz2.4K56:51WeaknessISA 53:7MAT 26:39MAT 27:12MRK 8:34LUK 9:23ACT 1:8ROM 8:262CO 4:7In this sermon, the speaker expresses his weakness and inability to fully prepare for the message he is about to deliver. He emphasizes the importance of being open vessels for God's word to flow through, rather than relying on personal preparation. The speaker also discusses the concept of captivity and how it can be seen as a positive thing, bringing a measure of profound disappointment to those who are overly confident. He concludes by highlighting the contrast between the powerlessness of Jesus before the powers of the world and the new age of love and spirit power.
Asking the Tough Questions
By Eric Ludy2.2K07:30MAT 6:21MAT 10:39MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23LUK 14:33ROM 12:1PHP 1:21PHP 3:8HEB 11:6This sermon challenges listeners to examine what truly motivates them in life, whether it is the pursuit of material wealth (gold) or a deeper relationship with God. It questions the level of trust and obedience individuals have towards God, urging them to surrender fully and unconditionally. The speaker emphasizes the willingness to sacrifice personal comforts, reputation, and even life itself for the sake of serving God and advancing His kingdom.
Take Hold of Eternal Life (Compilation)
By Compilations1.8K09:09CompilationMAT 10:37MAT 28:19MRK 8:34LUK 9:23JHN 6:26ACT 1:8HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of losing passion for seeking God and following Him. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the early days when there was a fervent pursuit of God through fasting and prayer. The speaker highlights the contrast between seeking entertainment and relaxation versus seeking the kingdom of God and promoting the things of Christ. He also discusses the example of Timothy as a faithful co-worker and urges the listeners to run away from the love of money and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
(Clip) Christ Wants Our Reaffirmation to Him
By Tim Conway1.8K03:16MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 14:33JHN 6:66PHP 3:7This sermon focuses on the moment in John 6:66 where many disciples turned away from Jesus, highlighting how Jesus did not try to stop them or renegotiate terms but instead asked the remaining disciples if they wanted to leave too. The emphasis is on the need for a fresh commitment and full allegiance to Jesus, even when others walk away, as He desires surrender of everything from His followers.
Go by Jackie Pullinger
By Compilations1.7K06:33MAT 16:24MAT 28:19MRK 8:34JHN 10:17JHN 12:24ACT 1:8ROM 12:1JAS 1:27This sermon emphasizes the principle that the gospel brings life to the receiver and death to the giver, drawing parallels between Jesus' sacrifice and the call for believers to take up their cross and follow Him. It highlights the extraordinary love of God in sending His Son to die for humanity and the voluntary response required from believers to give up their lives in service. The urgency to reach the desperate and poor with the message of Jesus is underscored, urging Christians to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel.
A Call to Us
By Basilea Schlink1.6K04:35Radio ShowEXO 20:5MAT 6:24MAT 22:37MRK 8:34HEB 13:8JAS 4:71JN 5:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving God the first right to our time, money, possessions, and everything that makes life worth living. The speaker highlights that God is a holy, loving, and jealous God who yearns for our love and dedication. The sermon encourages listeners to turn away from their idols and turn to God alone. It emphasizes the need for zealous love for Jesus and a willingness to sacrifice for His honor, so that others may come to love Him. The sermon also emphasizes the power of faith in Jesus to break the chains of bondage and set us free from idolatry.
The Higher Call of Christ, Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan1.6K26:00CallingMAT 10:22MRK 8:34LUK 14:27ACT 21:11ROM 8:182CO 4:17HEB 12:2In this sermon, Brother KP Johannon shares the story of a native missionary in India who faced persecution for his faith. The missionary was brutally beaten by a group of men, leaving him with visible scars. Despite the danger, he remained dedicated to serving the Lord. Brother KP also mentions the growth of Gospel for Asia, with 11,000 missionaries in eight nations. He highlights the support of an elderly woman from Texas who faithfully donated $10 a month to the mission work.
Audio Sermon: What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 1
By A.W. Tozer1.6K22:47MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 14:33JHN 14:6PHP 3:8This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of forming a complete, exclusive, and revolutionary attachment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It challenges the notion of merely accepting Christ as a passive act, highlighting the need for a life-transforming commitment that affects every aspect of one's being. The speaker stresses the necessity of denying oneself, taking up the cross, and following Jesus wholeheartedly, rejecting the idea of compartmentalizing faith and making Christ one of many interests.
How to Lay Down Your Life to Love Others - Part 1
By Milton Green1.5K1:17:13PSA 40:2MRK 8:34JHN 13:34In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to align themselves with the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He urges the audience to wake up from spiritual slumber and open their hearts to receive revelation from God. The preacher highlights the danger of following fleshly desires and worldly pursuits, urging believers to deny their selfish ambitions and live in love. He references Mark 8:34, where Jesus teaches about the necessity of denying oneself to follow Him, and John 12, where the people are described as not perceiving or understanding because their hearts are focused on worldly things.
Who Are You Denying—self or Christ?
By Aaron Hurst1.5K1:25:53Self-DenialMAT 10:37MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:57LUK 14:25LUK 17:33TIT 2:11In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of living a godly life and denying worldly desires. He references Titus, where it is stated that the grace of God teaches us to live righteously and soberly. The preacher emphasizes the need to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not indulge in the desires of the flesh. He also highlights the question posed in Romans 13:14 about the worth of gaining the whole world but losing one's soul. The sermon encourages listeners to prioritize their eternal salvation over worldly pleasures.
The Spirit and the Throne
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:02:44GEN 1:11SA 2:30ISA 6:1MAT 11:28MRK 8:341CO 12:3JAS 4:10REV 2:4REV 4:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of making Jesus Lord of our lives, highlighting the need to surrender all areas to Him, including pride, reputation, and past mistakes. It stresses the significance of recognizing God's authority and seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit to empower us for God's work. The message urges humility, repentance, and a deep desire to prioritize God above all else, acknowledging that true transformation and spiritual growth come from surrendering completely to Jesus as Lord.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 6
By Paris Reidhead1.3K02:03MRK 8:34JHN 15:13ROM 10:14PHP 2:5This sermon tells the powerful story of two young Moravians who willingly sold themselves into slavery to reach 3,000 slaves on an island in the West Indies who had never heard of Christ. Their sacrificial act of love and commitment to sharing the Gospel, despite knowing they would never return, reflects the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity. It emphasizes the profound impact of selfless dedication to spreading the message of Christ's redemption and the call for believers to follow in the footsteps of those who are willing to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel.
Two Young Moravian Missionaries
By Dean Taylor1.2K03:13MRK 8:34JHN 15:13PHP 2:5This sermon tells the powerful story of two young Moravian missionaries who willingly sold themselves into slavery to reach 3,000 slaves on an island in the West Indies who had never heard of Christ. Their sacrificial act of becoming slaves themselves to share the Gospel became the core of Moravian mission, emphasizing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity.
A Reasonable Service
By George Verwer1.2K36:53ServiceMAT 6:33MAT 16:24MAT 28:19MRK 8:34LUK 14:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful experience where young people from the streets came into the church and gave their lives to Jesus Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God, rather than seeking special experiences. He also highlights the urgency of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices because Jesus Christ is coming soon. The preacher acknowledges the gap between what Christians believe and how they live, and encourages young people to experience genuine life changes through trusting in Jesus Christ.
Horton Haven Labor Day Retreat-10 Examples of Commitment
By William MacDonald1.2K31:17CommitmentGEN 22:2GEN 22:12DEU 6:5MAT 16:24MAT 22:37MRK 8:34LUK 9:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of total commitment to God. He references the commandment in Deuteronomy 6:5 to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The preacher also highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the need for believers to offer their lives fully to God. The sermon then focuses on the example of Abraham and his unwavering commitment to God, even when faced with the difficult task of sacrificing his son Isaac.
Yielding Our Rights
By Lou Sutera1.1K54:36YieldingPSA 51:7MAT 6:33MRK 8:34LUK 9:23ROM 12:11CO 1:18GAL 2:20In this sermon, the preacher begins by quoting another preacher who asked why so many Christians are unable to experience the reality of God. He then poses the question to his own congregation, asking if they are ready to accept Jesus Christ for who they know him to be. Surprisingly, most of the congregation responds with a "no." The preacher then explores the concept of living in the spirit and being led by the spirit, emphasizing that these can be a reality in our lives. He shares the story of David Otis Fuller, a preacher who preached a sermon titled "Your Life: A Dying Life or a Living Death," highlighting the importance of dying to oneself and finding real life in death. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the significance of the death-dealing cross in our lives.
Self-Denial - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K24:59PSA 23:4MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23This sermon emphasizes the call to discipleship by Jesus, focusing on self-denial, taking up one's cross daily, and following Him. It highlights the importance of small sacrifices and acts of selflessness in serving others, even in the face of societal pressures and personal desires. The speaker shares personal experiences of self-denial and obedience to God's calling, illustrating the transformative power of discipleship in impacting lives and spreading God's love.
A Meditation on Self Denial
By John Piper1.1K24:28MRK 8:34This sermon emphasizes the concept of 'sacred schizophrenia' for Christians, highlighting the internal conflict between two selves - one that seeks worldly desires and one that follows Jesus, calling believers to deny the self that seeks temporary pleasures and embrace the self that treasures eternal life with Christ. The message stresses the importance of self-denial, taking up one's cross, and being willing to endure opposition and suffering for the sake of following Jesus. It also addresses the ongoing battle between seeking worldly possessions and human approval versus treasuring Jesus and His words.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whosoever will come after me - It seems that Christ formed, on the proselytism of the Jews, the principal qualities which he required in the proselytes of his covenant. The first condition of proselytism among the Jews was, that he that came to embrace their religion should come voluntarily, and that neither force nor influence should be employed in this business. This is also the first condition required by Jesus Christ, and which he considers as the foundation of all the rest: - If a man be willing to come after me. The second condition required in the Jewish proselyte was, that he should perfectly renounce all his prejudices, his errors, his idolatry, and every thing that concerned his false religion; and that he should entirely separate himself from his most intimate friends and acquaintances. It was on this ground that the Jews called proselytism a new birth, and proselytes new-born, and new men; and our Lord requires men to be born again, not only of water, but by the Holy Ghost. See Joh 3:5. All this our Lord includes in this word, Let him renounce himself. To this the following scriptures refer: Mat 10:33; Joh 3:3, Joh 3:5, Co2 5:17. The third condition on which a person was admitted into the Jewish Church as a proselyte was, that he should submit to the yoke of the Jewish law, and bear patiently the inconveniences and sufferings with which a profession of the Mosaic religion might be accompanied. Christ requires the same condition; but, instead of the yoke of the law, he brings in his own doctrine, which he calls his yoke, Mat 11:29 : and his cross, the taking up of which not only implies a bold profession of Christ crucified, but also a cheerful submitting to all the sufferings and persecutions to which he might be exposed, and even to death itself. The fourth condition was, that they should solemnly engage to continue in the Jewish religion, faithful even unto death. This condition Christ also requires; and it is comprised in this word, Let him Follow me. See the following verses; and see, on the subject of proselytism, Rut 1:16, Rut 1:17 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he had called the people unto him,.... Who, it seems, followed him out of Galilee, from Bethsaida, and these parts; for it was in the way from thence to Caesarea Philippi, that Christ had this conversation with his disciples; who walked together alone, the multitude following at some distance; and the private conversation being ended, Christ called, or beckoned to the people, to come nearer to him: with his disciples also; for what he was about to say, concerned them both: whosoever will come after me; in a spiritual sense, as this multitude did in a natural one, and which is the same as to be a disciple of his: let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me; signifying, that his followers must deny themselves of worldly advantages, and suffer many things, as well as he, which he had been but just before acquainting his disciples with; See Gill on Mat 16:24.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:34-38 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples and the crowd lays out the cost of being his follower. • To give up your own way involves letting Jesus determine your goals and purposes in life. To take up your cross is metaphorical (cp. Luke 9:23); it indicates that faithfulness to Jesus must extend, if required, even to the point of death. To follow Jesus’ teaching and example is a continual commitment.