34-37 Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

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34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him (A)deny himself and (B)take up his cross and follow me. 35 For (C)whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake (D)and the gospel's will save it. 36 (E)For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For (F)what can a man give in return for his soul?

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Notas al pie

  1. Mark 8:35 The same Greek word can mean either soul or life, depending on the context; twice in this verse and once in verse 36 and once in verse 37

Glory Just Around the Corner

12-13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

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Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at (A)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice (B)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad (C)when his glory is revealed.

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