By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Mark 8:22-38

The Rev. Ron Purkey

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37)

In the world in which we live, we give most attention to satisfying the appetites of the body and practically none to the soul. Consequently, we are one-sided. We become fat physically and materially, while spiritually we are lean, weak and anemic. The soul actually demands as much attention as the body. It demands fellowship and communion with God. It demands worship, quietness and meditation. Unless the soul is fed and exercised daily, it becomes weak and shriveled. It remains discontented, confused, restless.

Many people turn to alcohol to try to drown the cryings and longings of the soul. Some turn to a new sex experience. Others attempt to quiet the longings of their souls in other ways. But nothing but God ever completely satisfies, because the soul was made for God, and without God it is restless and in secret torment.

Peoples’ Condemnation (Mark 8:22-26). This is the second of two miracles recorded only by Mark; the other is the healing of the deaf mute (Mark 7:31-37). In both instances, Jesus took the person away from the crowd. Why? To avoid publicity, for one thing, and to let the town know it was under the judgment of God (Matthew 11:21-24). This is the only “gradual” miracle recorded in any of the four Gospels.

Jesus’ Crucifixion (Mark 8:27-33). Although Jesus had previously hinted at his death (John 2:19; 3:14), this is the first time Jesus clearly taught his disciples that he was going to die and be raised from the dead. (See Mark 9:30-32; 10:32-34.) Like most orthodox Jews, the Twelve believed that their Messiah would come in power and glory and defeat their enemies, not be defeated by their enemies. Peter’s confession of faith came from the Father (Matthew 16:17), not from the gossip of the crowd; but Peter’s confusion originated with the devil, who does not want us to understand the doctrine of the cross. Peter wanted the glory but not the suffering that leads to glory! Read Peter’s two epistles and see how much he says about suffering and glory.

Believers’ Consecration (Mark 8:34-38). We become children of God by trusting Jesus Christ and confessing him to be the Son of God (1 John 4:1-3) who died for us on the cross and rose again (Romans 10:9-10). We become disciples of Jesus Christ by surrendering our all to him, taking up our cross, and following him. If we live for ourselves, we lose our lives and he is ashamed of us; but if we live for Christ, we save our lives and glorify him (John 12:23-28). Discipleship saves us from the tragedy of a wasted life. Yes, there is suffering in taking up a cross to follow Jesus; but that suffering always leads to glory.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.