KING’S CROSS KING’S CROSS KING’S CROSS Part 1: The Cross and Discipleship Part 1: The Cross and Discipleship Part 1: The Cross and Discipleship Mark 8:27-9:1 Mark 8:27-9:1 Mark 8:27-9:1

Resurrection power follows crucifixion. Resurrection power follows crucifixion. Resurrection power follows crucifixion. The only way to be a Christian is to personally enter into this dynamic by The only way to be a Christian is to personally enter into this dynamic by The only way to be a Christian is to personally enter into this dynamic by surrendering our self-determination to King . surrendering our self-determination to King Jesus. surrendering our self-determination to King Jesus.

When Peter challenges Jesus, he receives Jesus’ stern rebuke (v. 33). Jesus tells When Peter challenges Jesus, he receives Jesus’ stern rebuke (v. 33). Jesus tells When Peter challenges Jesus, he receives Jesus’ stern rebuke (v. 33). Jesus tells Peter that he’s thinking the wrong way about the nature of Jesus’ Kingship – “You Peter that he’s thinking the wrong way about the nature of Jesus’ Kingship – “You Peter that he’s thinking the wrong way about the nature of Jesus’ Kingship – “You do not have in mind the things of , but the things of men.” do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Here we encounter a fundamental truth: there’s a way of man and a way of Here we encounter a fundamental truth: there’s a way of man and a way of Here we encounter a fundamental truth: there’s a way of man and a way of God, and they are radically different (Isaiah 55:8-9). Left to ourselves, without the God, and they are radically different (Isaiah 55:8-9). Left to ourselves, without the God, and they are radically different (Isaiah 55:8-9). Left to ourselves, without the intervention of grace, we will not think rightly about God and His ways. intervention of grace, we will not think rightly about God and His ways. intervention of grace, we will not think rightly about God and His ways.

I. The Law of the Kingdom of God: I. The Law of the Kingdom of God: I. The Law of the Kingdom of God: Resurrection Power Follows Crucifixion (8:31-33) Resurrection Power Follows Crucifixion (8:31-33) Resurrection Power Follows Crucifixion (8:31-33)

Jesus paradoxically joins together two Old Testament figures: the Son of Man Jesus paradoxically joins together two Old Testament figures: the Son of Man Jesus paradoxically joins together two Old Testament figures: the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14) and the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). He tells us that His (Daniel 7:13-14) and the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). He tells us that His (Daniel 7:13-14) and the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). He tells us that His crucifixion must precede His resurrection (v. 31). crucifixion must precede His resurrection (v. 31). crucifixion must precede His resurrection (v. 31).

“Jesus can be known as ‘Son of God’ only when he is known as the crucified “Jesus can be known as ‘Son of God’ only when he is known as the crucified “Jesus can be known as ‘Son of God’ only when he is known as the crucified one.” Richard Hayes, “The Moral Vision of the ” one.” Richard Hayes, “The Moral Vision of the New Testament” one.” Richard Hayes, “The Moral Vision of the New Testament”

This is a law of the Kingdom of God: resurrection power follows crucifixion; This is a law of the Kingdom of God: resurrection power follows crucifixion; This is a law of the Kingdom of God: resurrection power follows crucifixion; new life follows death. This is the only way to receive and experience the new new life follows death. This is the only way to receive and experience the new new life follows death. This is the only way to receive and experience the new life of God’s Kingdom. What’s true for the Son of God is true for us (v. 34). life of God’s Kingdom. What’s true for the Son of God is true for us (v. 34). life of God’s Kingdom. What’s true for the Son of God is true for us (v. 34).

II. The Only Way to be a Christian (8:34 – 9:1) II. The Only Way to be a Christian (8:34 – 9:1) II. The Only Way to be a Christian (8:34 – 9:1)

A. God’s Way for Identity and Life (v.35-37). A. God’s Way for Identity and Life (v.35-37). A. God’s Way for Identity and Life (v.35-37). The word for “life/” (psuche = seat of your personality; your identity; The word for “life/soul” (psuche = seat of your personality; your identity; The word for “life/soul” (psuche = seat of your personality; your identity; selfhood = what makes you distinct). Don’t look for your identity within or selfhood = what makes you distinct). Don’t look for your identity within or selfhood = what makes you distinct). Don’t look for your identity within or without, in the things of this world. Look for your true identity and life in without, in the things of this world. Look for your true identity and life in without, in the things of this world. Look for your true identity and life in Jesus (Colossians 1:15-17). Jesus (Colossians 1:15-17). Jesus (Colossians 1:15-17).

In traditional cultures, one’s sense of identity is largely worked out in In traditional cultures, one’s sense of identity is largely worked out in In traditional cultures, one’s sense of identity is largely worked out in relation to others in the family or community. One’s identity is secured if relation to others in the family or community. One’s identity is secured if relation to others in the family or community. One’s identity is secured if one conforms to the expectations of the family or community. one conforms to the expectations of the family or community. one conforms to the expectations of the family or community.

In modern cultures (like ours), one’s identity is not derived from the In modern cultures (like ours), one’s identity is not derived from the In modern cultures (like ours), one’s identity is not derived from the relationship with others, but from within you. We believe we find ourselves relationship with others, but from within you. We believe we find ourselves relationship with others, but from within you. We believe we find ourselves by looking within and asserting ourselves regardless of what anyone by looking within and asserting ourselves regardless of what anyone by looking within and asserting ourselves regardless of what anyone else says. This way of thinking is called “expressive individualism” or the else says. This way of thinking is called “expressive individualism” or the else says. This way of thinking is called “expressive individualism” or the “sovereign self.” “sovereign self.” “sovereign self.” 03.04.18 03.04.18 03.04.18 B. Surrender Your Self-Determination to Jesus (v. 34) B. Surrender Your Self-Determination to Jesus (v. 34) B. Surrender Your Self-Determination to Jesus (v. 34)

“Christians give up the right to self-determination. Christians give up the “Christians give up the right to self-determination. Christians give up the “Christians give up the right to self-determination. Christians give up the right to decide how to live – they live as Christ directs. … Inseparable right to decide how to live – they live as Christ directs. … Inseparable right to decide how to live – they live as Christ directs. … Inseparable from following Jesus is the cost of the cross. There is no other example from following Jesus is the cost of the cross. There is no other example from following Jesus is the cost of the cross. There is no other example he gives.” Tim Keller he gives.” Tim Keller he gives.” Tim Keller

“Don’t think that the cross is simply the wheelchair, or an irritating job, or “Don’t think that the cross is simply the wheelchair, or an irritating job, or “Don’t think that the cross is simply the wheelchair, or an irritating job, or an irksome mother-in-law. The cross is the place where you die to sin and an irksome mother-in-law. The cross is the place where you die to sin and an irksome mother-in-law. The cross is the place where you die to sin and live to God.” Joni Eareckson Tada live to God.” Joni Eareckson Tada live to God.” Joni Eareckson Tada

“Jesus never concealed the fact that his religion included a demand as “Jesus never concealed the fact that his religion included a demand as “Jesus never concealed the fact that his religion included a demand as well as an offer. Indeed, the demand was as total as the offer was free. well as an offer. Indeed, the demand was as total as the offer was free. well as an offer. Indeed, the demand was as total as the offer was free. If he offered men his salvation, he also demanded their submission….In If he offered men his salvation, he also demanded their submission….In If he offered men his salvation, he also demanded their submission….In order to follow Christ we must not only forsake isolated sins but renounce order to follow Christ we must not only forsake isolated sins but renounce order to follow Christ we must not only forsake isolated sins but renounce the very principle of self-will which lies at the root of every act of sin. To the very principle of self-will which lies at the root of every act of sin. To the very principle of self-will which lies at the root of every act of sin. To follow Christ is to surrender to him the rights over our own lives.” follow Christ is to surrender to him the rights over our own lives.” follow Christ is to surrender to him the rights over our own lives.” John Stott, “Basic ” John Stott, “Basic Christianity” John Stott, “Basic Christianity”

“It’s not a question of giving up sin, but of giving up my right to myself, my “It’s not a question of giving up sin, but of giving up my right to myself, my “It’s not a question of giving up sin, but of giving up my right to myself, my natural independence, and my self-will….Beware of refusing to go to the natural independence, and my self-will….Beware of refusing to go to the natural independence, and my self-will….Beware of refusing to go to the funeral of your own independence.” Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for funeral of your own independence.” Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for funeral of your own independence.” Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest, Dec. 9” His Highest, Dec. 9” His Highest, Dec. 9”

C. Resurrection Power Follows Our Crucifixion C. Resurrection Power Follows Our Crucifixion C. Resurrection Power Follows Our Crucifixion (:1, John 8:31-32, Romans 6:1-14) (Mark 9:1, John 8:31-32, Romans 6:1-14) (Mark 9:1, John 8:31-32, Romans 6:1-14)

“Non-discipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by “Non-discipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by “Non-discipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by love, faith that sees everything in the light of God’s overriding governance love, faith that sees everything in the light of God’s overriding governance love, faith that sees everything in the light of God’s overriding governance for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of evil. In short, it costs exactly that abundance of life Jesus said he came evil. In short, it costs exactly that abundance of life Jesus said he came evil. In short, it costs exactly that abundance of life Jesus said he came to bring (John 10:10). The cross-shaped yoke of Christ is after all an to bring (John 10:10). The cross-shaped yoke of Christ is after all an to bring (John 10:10). The cross-shaped yoke of Christ is after all an instrument of liberation and power to those who live in it with him and instrument of liberation and power to those who live in it with him and instrument of liberation and power to those who live in it with him and learn the meekness and lowliness of heart that brings rest to the soul…. learn the meekness and lowliness of heart that brings rest to the soul…. learn the meekness and lowliness of heart that brings rest to the soul…. The correct perspective is to see following Christ not only as the necessity The correct perspective is to see following Christ not only as the necessity The correct perspective is to see following Christ not only as the necessity it is, but as the fulfillment of the highest human possibilities and as a life it is, but as the fulfillment of the highest human possibilities and as a life it is, but as the fulfillment of the highest human possibilities and as a life on the highest plane.” Dallas Willard on the highest plane.” Dallas Willard on the highest plane.” Dallas Willard

We will never engage in this radical act of self-denial by willpower alone. We will never engage in this radical act of self-denial by willpower alone. We will never engage in this radical act of self-denial by willpower alone. The heart is moved by grace from within, not pressure from without. The heart is moved by grace from within, not pressure from without. The heart is moved by grace from within, not pressure from without. We must see God’s King, dying on a cross, as our King so that we are We must see God’s King, dying on a cross, as our King so that we are We must see God’s King, dying on a cross, as our King so that we are compelled by God’s love for us (Galatians 2:20). compelled by God’s love for us (Galatians 2:20). compelled by God’s love for us (Galatians 2:20).

Discussion questions (for small groups or the dinner table): Discussion questions (for small groups or the dinner table): Discussion questions (for small groups or the dinner table):

What parallel language does Jesus use when describing what must What parallel language does Jesus use when describing what must What parallel language does Jesus use when describing what must happen to Him (v.31-32) and those of us who would follow Him (v. 34)? happen to Him (v.31-32) and those of us who would follow Him (v. 34)? happen to Him (v.31-32) and those of us who would follow Him (v. 34)? What image would have come to the mind of His hearers when He said What image would have come to the mind of His hearers when He said What image would have come to the mind of His hearers when He said “take up His cross” (v. 34)? “take up His cross” (v. 34)? “take up His cross” (v. 34)?

How do Jesus’ words challenge you? How do his words relate with the way How do Jesus’ words challenge you? How do his words relate with the way How do Jesus’ words challenge you? How do his words relate with the way you hear professing Christians generally speak about being a Christian? you hear professing Christians generally speak about being a Christian? you hear professing Christians generally speak about being a Christian?

Given these words of Jesus, do you sense any changes you need to make Given these words of Jesus, do you sense any changes you need to make Given these words of Jesus, do you sense any changes you need to make in the way you live as a of Jesus? in the way you live as a disciple of Jesus? in the way you live as a disciple of Jesus?

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