Mark 8:34-9:1

Expanded Bible

³⁴ Then Jesus called the crowd to him, along with his ·followers [disciples]. He said, “If ·people [^Lanyone wants] want to follow me, they must ·give up the things they want [deny themselves; set aside their own interests]. They must ·be willing even to give up their lives to [^Ltake up their cross and] follow me. ³⁵ Those who want to save their lives will ·give up true life [^Llose their life/soul; ^CGreek psychē can mean “life” or “soul,” producing this play on words]. But those who ·give up [lose; sacrifice] their lives for ·me [my sake] and for the ·Good News [Gospel] will ·have true life [save their lives/souls]. ³⁶ ·It is worthless [What good/profit/benefit is it…?] to ·have [gain] the whole world if they ·lose [forfeit] their souls. ³⁷ ·They could never pay enough [^LOr what could they give…?] ·to buy back [in exchange for] their souls. ³⁸ If people of this ·sinful and evil time [adulterous and sinful generation] are ashamed of me and my ·teaching [words; message], the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he ·comes [returns] with his Father’s glory and with the holy angels [Dan. 7:13–14].”

9 Then Jesus said to the people, “I tell you the truth, some people standing here will not ·die [^Ltaste death] before they see the kingdom of God ·come [arrive] with power.” [^C“Seeing the kingdom of God” may refer to the Transfiguration that follows (9:1–8), Jesus’ resurrection, or the destruction of Jerusalem in ad 70.]