Mark 8:35
Verse
Context
Take Up Your Cross
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
For whosoever will save his life - On this and the following verses, see Mat 16:24, etc.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For whosoever will save his life,.... Life is a valuable thing, and all that a man has he will give for it; self preservation is a principle in nature; and it becomes every man to take all lawful methods to save his life, when it is threatened, or is in danger: but whoever is willing to save it, when it is called for to be laid down for Christ's sake; and rather than lay it down, will deny Christ, and give up a profession of him, and his Gospel, shall lose it: he shall not enjoy it with honour and comfort now, and much less with peace, pleasure, and happiness hereafter, but shall be under the power of the second death: but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's; that is, shall willingly part with it when he is called to it, rather than deny Christ and his Gospel, the same shall save it: though he will lose it now, he will find it again in the resurrection of life; for he will rise to eternal life; when such, who have apostatized from Christ, will rise to shame, and everlasting contempt: this man will have greatly the advantage over such; they will die the second death, or be destroyed soul and body in hell; and he will live for ever with Christ, in endless pleasure and glory; See Gill on Mat 16:25.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:35 If you try to hang on to (literally save) your life by keeping it from Jesus, you will lose it in the next world. But if you lose it to Jesus and his cause (the spread of the Good News), you will save it forever.
Mark 8:35
Take Up Your Cross
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
God's Purpose
By Alan Redpath4.6K42:20God's PurposeMAT 8:10MRK 8:35MRK 8:38LUK 7:6LUK 9:23JHN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of submitting to the Lordship and sovereignty of Jesus. He highlights that while humans have achieved great advancements in various fields, they still struggle to conquer themselves. The speaker uses the analogy of three men passing by a house to illustrate the difference between claiming ownership, building, and actually living in a house. He then discusses the centurion in Luke chapter seven as an example of someone who understood the principle of submission and authority. The sermon concludes with a reference to Watchman Ni, a Chinese Christian who has written about the importance of surrendering to God's power and purpose.
Religion or Devotion?
By David Platt3.9K04:24MAT 16:24MAT 28:19MRK 8:35ACT 20:24JAS 1:27This sermon challenges believers to choose between dying in religious formalism and wasted opportunities or dying in devoted service to God's mission. It highlights the stark contrast between the suffering and spiritual need in the world, especially in nations like Pakistan, Indonesia, and India, and the complacency and lack of risk-taking in many churches. The speaker urges a radical commitment to the Great Commission, risking everything for the sake of those who have not heard the name of Jesus and for the lost in our communities.
Road to Reality - When We Have Failed, What Next? - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.5K25:58FailureMAT 16:24MRK 8:35JHN 20:21ACT 17:6ROM 8:291CO 9:22GAL 2:20In this sermon, K. P. Johannon discusses the importance of being concerned for the lost world and sharing the message of Jesus. He emphasizes that the greatest enemy is not the devil, but our own self-centeredness, and that Jesus came to set us free from this. Johannon shares the story of Adoniram Judson, a missionary who faced immense hardships and loss, yet remained committed to his work of translating the Bible and preaching in a hostile Buddhist land. The sermon encourages listeners to persevere in their faith and continue sharing the gospel, even in the face of failure and adversity.
Dying to Self
By Bill McLeod2.4K54:15Death To SelfMAT 16:25MRK 8:35LUK 9:24JHN 12:24In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of dying to oneself in order to find spiritual power and fulfill the larger cause of Jesus Christ. He references the verse John 12:24, where Jesus talks about a kernel of wheat falling into the ground and dying to bring forth much fruit. The preacher emphasizes that this message is not just about Jesus' own death on the cross, but also about the need for believers to die to their own ambitions, plans, and personalities. He uses the story of Joseph in the Old Testament as an example of someone who had to die to various aspects of his life in order to fulfill God's purpose. The sermon concludes with a call to seek guidance from God and pray for a revival where many are converted.
Centrality of the Cross
By Dennis Kinlaw1.4K36:22Cross of ChristMAT 16:21MRK 8:35LUK 9:23JHN 3:14JHN 6:53JHN 10:11JHN 12:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of publicly declaring one's faith in Christ. They emphasize that becoming a Christian means a complete change in lifestyle and a willingness to be identified as a follower of Christ. The speaker also highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission, as he willingly laid down his life for his sheep. They encourage the audience to consider their own commitment to Christ and to take up their cross, reminding them that the only regret they will have is if they fail to do so.
Don't Waste Your Life - Part 6
By John Piper1.3K05:49MAT 16:24MRK 8:35ROM 8:181CO 15:58PHP 3:8COL 3:172TI 2:3HEB 12:21PE 3:15REV 2:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing suffering, pain, and shame for the joy of knowing Jesus, calling on the audience to display Christ's worth above all else. It challenges individuals to be a generation that treasures Christ, takes risks, and sacrifices for the sake of spreading His supreme value to the nations, believing that through such commitment, many will come to know and believe in Jesus Christ.
Paul Before Agrippa - Part 7
By Joshua Daniel97408:55MAT 10:28MAT 16:24MRK 8:35LUK 9:23ACT 1:8PHP 1:202TI 1:7HEB 12:2REV 12:11This sermon emphasizes the call to radical discipleship and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of persecution and discomfort. It challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones, be willing to endure hardships for the sake of Christ, and to prioritize the proclamation of the Gospel above personal preferences and safety. The message underscores the need for unconditional discipleship, a strong faith that shakes the powers of the world, and a willingness to follow Christ wholeheartedly, even unto death.
Lay Down Your Life!
By Basilea Schlink61904:35Radio ShowMAT 10:39MAT 16:24MRK 8:35LUK 9:23LUK 14:33JHN 12:251JN 3:16In this sermon by Basilia Shlink, the speaker shares a personal experience of building a chapel and motherhouse for a sisterhood. The project was challenging and demanding, but through prayer and commitment to Jesus, they found strength and joy in sacrificing their own lives for the work. The speaker emphasizes the importance of laying down one's life for the sake of Jesus and for the brethren, referencing the Bible verse 1 John 3:16. The sermon encourages listeners to embrace sacrifice and find blessings and abundant fruit in giving up and losing for the sake of Christ.
Whoever Dares Wins!!
By Basilea Schlink53604:35Radio ShowMAT 6:33MAT 16:24MRK 8:35LUK 12:31LUK 14:27JHN 14:23ROM 8:32In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a mother who faced financial difficulties after her husband passed away. Without a will, the state law dictated that the children would receive half of the inheritance. One of the children, who was about to get married, wanted her share immediately. However, the mother trusted in God and dared to take Him at His word. She experienced a miraculous provision when she unexpectedly received a large inheritance, which brought her overwhelming joy and strengthened her family's bond. The speaker encourages listeners to follow Jesus and trust in God's care, assuring them that they will be richly blessed and experience true joy.
Bible Paradoxes
By William MacDonald0Spiritual GrowthParadoxes of FaithGEN 32:24PSA 4:1PRO 11:24JER 48:11MAT 6:19MRK 8:35LUK 14:11JHN 15:5ACT 20:35ROM 6:171CO 1:202CO 6:92CO 12:101JN 1:81JN 3:9William MacDonald explores the intriguing paradoxes found in the Bible, emphasizing how these truths challenge our conventional understanding. He illustrates that true life is found in losing it, strength in weakness, and freedom in servitude to Christ. MacDonald highlights that joy comes from giving rather than receiving, and that we can possess everything while having nothing. He concludes that the Christian journey is filled with contradictions that ultimately lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
The Shadow of Martyrdom
By William MacDonald0Sacrifice for ChristDiscipleshipMAT 10:39MAT 16:25MAT 16:27MRK 8:35LUK 9:24JHN 12:242CO 6:9PHP 1:20William MacDonald emphasizes the profound commitment of true discipleship to Jesus Christ, where life and death become secondary to glorifying the Lord. He reflects on the lives of martyrs like John and Betty Stam and Jim Elliot, who willingly surrendered their lives for the sake of Christ, embodying the principle that losing one's life for Jesus leads to true fulfillment. MacDonald argues that our lives do not belong to us, as they were bought with Christ's blood, and thus we should not cling to them selfishly. He encourages believers to adopt a martyr spirit, living fully for Christ, which ultimately leads to joy and eternal rewards. The sermon concludes with a call to prioritize eternal matters over worldly concerns, echoing the teachings of Jesus on the value of self-sacrifice.
Vii. the Confession of Faith
By Martyrs of the Catacombs0MAT 16:24MRK 8:35LUK 9:23ACT 5:29ROM 8:18PHP 1:292TI 3:12HEB 11:251PE 4:16REV 2:10In the sermon 'Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,' the preacher recounts the story of Marcellus, a young soldier who chooses to become a Christian despite facing persecution and consequences. Marcellus's unwavering faith in God leads him to make a bold decision to stand with the Christians, even at the cost of his own life and worldly honor. Despite the warnings and pleas of his friend Lucullus, Marcellus remains steadfast in his faith, ultimately choosing to follow Christ over the expectations of society and the Roman government.
Loving and Hating One's Life
By J.R. Miller0SacrificeTrue Life in ChristMAT 16:25MRK 8:35LUK 9:24JHN 12:24GAL 2:20PHP 2:3J.R. Miller emphasizes that true life is found in selfless love and sacrifice, illustrated by the parable of the grain of wheat, which must die to produce new life. He reflects on Jesus' own sacrifice, which seemed like a loss but became the source of hope and salvation for humanity. Miller warns against the temptation to prioritize personal comfort and ease over fulfilling our duties to others, asserting that in trying to save our lives, we ultimately lose them. He encourages believers to embrace the hard paths of service and love, as these lead to true fulfillment and eternal life. The sermon calls for a commitment to God's will over self-interest, highlighting that losing one's life in service is the path to true gain.
It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
By A.B. Simpson0The Joy of GivingSelflessnessMAT 5:16MRK 8:35LUK 6:38JHN 15:13ACT 20:35ROM 12:102CO 9:7GAL 6:2PHP 2:41JN 3:17A.B. Simpson emphasizes the distinction between earthly and heavenly love, noting that earthly love is often self-centered while heavenly love is unselfish and seeks to glorify God and bless others. He challenges listeners to reflect on their giving versus taking, urging them to center their lives around the Lord and His work rather than their own desires. Simpson highlights the profound truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive, encouraging believers to share their treasures and joys with others. He reminds us that true fulfillment comes from selflessness and serving others in love.
How to Consecrate
By Catherine Booth0PRO 22:6MAT 16:24MRK 8:35LUK 14:261CO 10:31PHP 4:19HEB 11:8JAS 1:22JAS 4:17Catherine Booth preaches about the importance of accepting God's will for our lives and the hindrances that prevent many from fully surrendering to Him. She emphasizes the need to obey the teachings of the Bible and the Holy Spirit, even when it involves sacrifice and suffering for the sake of salvation. Catherine challenges the congregation to be practical in their faith, to be willing to bear shame and losses, and to follow Christ wholeheartedly, even if it means being rejected by family and society. She urges parents to train their children solely for God's Kingdom and calls for a complete acceptance of God's plan in every aspect of life.
Hating Our Own Life
By Zac Poonen0MAT 10:39MRK 8:35LUK 9:23LUK 14:26JHN 12:25Zac Poonen emphasizes the second condition of discipleship, which is to hate our own self-life as Jesus taught. This involves denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and putting to death the self-life inherited from Adam. Our self-life, also known as 'the flesh', is the main enemy of the life of Christ, tempting us to seek our own gain, honor, pleasure, and way. Jesus reiterated the importance of hating our own life six times in the gospels, highlighting the need to give up our rights, privileges, reputation, ambitions, and interests to truly follow Him.
Forever Rich
By David Servant0MAT 6:19MAT 13:44MAT 25:14MRK 8:35HEB 12:2David Servant preaches on the Parable of the Hidden Treasure, illustrating the kingdom of heaven as a treasure worth giving up everything for. He emphasizes the importance of self-denial and surrendering all to gain eternal riches, highlighting the need to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Through the story of the unfaithful servant in the Parable of the Talents, he warns about the grave consequences of poor stewardship and the necessity of being ready for Christ's return to avoid punishment and receive rewards.
Imptaitging, and Devil-Begotten Spirit
By Russell DeLong0MAT 16:25MRK 8:35LUK 9:23PHP 3:8HEB 12:6Russell DeLong preaches on the theme of supreme devotion to a great cause, emphasizing that acts beyond the call of duty often reveal the finest in humanity. Through various historical and biblical examples, he illustrates that true greatness is found in selfless sacrifice and consecration to God's Kingdom, even at the cost of personal comfort or safety. The sermon highlights the importance of giving oneself fully to God, surrendering personal desires and ambitions for the higher purpose of serving Christ. Examples of individuals like Jonathan Edwards, C. T. Studd, and Susanna Wesley demonstrate the radical commitment and consecration required in the spiritual journey.
Luke 23:13
By Chuck Smith0Dying To SelfSacrificeISA 53:6MAT 16:24MRK 8:35LUK 23:13JHN 12:25ROM 3:23ROM 6:232CO 5:21GAL 2:20PHP 3:10Chuck Smith discusses the concept of the 'Death March' in relation to humanity's struggles and Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the plight of the four lepers and Esther's courageous declaration, emphasizing that while many face death due to their own sins, Christ's death march was for the sins of others. Smith points out that Jesus was abandoned by most of His followers during this time, yet He understood the true significance of His sacrifice and the promise of resurrection. He concludes by urging listeners to embrace their own 'death march' by dying to self in order to find true life in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For whosoever will save his life - On this and the following verses, see Mat 16:24, etc.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For whosoever will save his life,.... Life is a valuable thing, and all that a man has he will give for it; self preservation is a principle in nature; and it becomes every man to take all lawful methods to save his life, when it is threatened, or is in danger: but whoever is willing to save it, when it is called for to be laid down for Christ's sake; and rather than lay it down, will deny Christ, and give up a profession of him, and his Gospel, shall lose it: he shall not enjoy it with honour and comfort now, and much less with peace, pleasure, and happiness hereafter, but shall be under the power of the second death: but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's; that is, shall willingly part with it when he is called to it, rather than deny Christ and his Gospel, the same shall save it: though he will lose it now, he will find it again in the resurrection of life; for he will rise to eternal life; when such, who have apostatized from Christ, will rise to shame, and everlasting contempt: this man will have greatly the advantage over such; they will die the second death, or be destroyed soul and body in hell; and he will live for ever with Christ, in endless pleasure and glory; See Gill on Mat 16:25.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:35 If you try to hang on to (literally save) your life by keeping it from Jesus, you will lose it in the next world. But if you lose it to Jesus and his cause (the spread of the Good News), you will save it forever.