²⁴ Then Jesus said to his ·followers [disciples], “If ·people want [^Lanyone wants] to follow me, they must ·give up the things they want [deny themselves; turn from selfishness; set aside their own interests]. They must ·be willing even to give up their lives to [^Ltake up their cross and] follow me. ²⁵ 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], and those who ·give up [lose; sacrifice] their lives for ·me [my sake] will ·have true life [find life]. ²⁶ ·It is worthless [What good/profit/benefit is it…?] to ·have [gain] the whole world if they ·lose [forfeit] their souls. ·They could never pay enough [^LOr what could they give…?] ·to buy back [in exchange for] their souls. ²⁷ [^LFor] The Son of Man will come again with his Father’s glory and with his angels. At that time, he will ·reward [repay; give back; judge] them for what they have done [Ps. 62:12; Prov. 24:12]. ²⁸ I tell you the truth, some people standing here will not ·die [^Ltaste death] before they see the Son of Man [Dan. 7:13–14] coming with his kingdom.” [^CThis may refer to the Transfiguration which follows (17:1–8), Jesus’ resurrection, or the destruction of Jerusalem in ad 70.]