The Jesus Mark Wants You to Know - 28 Days to Become More Intimate With JesusНамуна

Day 14 - Mark 8:1-38

Hunger for Truth and Cost of Discipleship

The undeniable miraculous power of Jesus continues to draw crowds. People are in need of healing. They are spiritually hungry. What Jesus is teaching about the kingdom of God, His love and His ways has never been heard before.

Because Jesus is so popular and so much in demand, the Pharisees are jealous and afraid of losing their status. They confront Jesus, demanding more proof with miraculous signs. But knowing their hearts are too hard, Jesus leaves and goes to where hungry hearts are seeking truth.

People from all over Galilee were seeking Jesus. And His popularity helped convince the disciples that He was the Messiah. Peter declared it to Jesus. But when Jesus shared the truth of what the Messiah must go through, the disciples denied it. So Jesus warned them that anyone who wants to save his life, will forfeit his soul.

Putting the Kingdom of God and His priorities before our own is required of Jesus followers. Abandoning my own self-centered interests will be evidenced by how well I serve others. It seems almost impossible today, within our western culture, to put self-interests to death.

But Jesus says this is the way His followers must go. It means sacrifice and living counter-culturally. Am I noticeably different in the way I live out my faith in Jesus? Would others say that of me? And am I spiritually hungry for more of Him? Do I see this hunger in others and do I have the compassion and love to give them Jesus?