Discover JesusExemplo

Week 3 - Day 2

Finding Life In Surrender | Read

The disciples saw Jesus as some kind of superhero, a revolutionary, a powerful voice for change. When He started explaining that His future included rejection, suffering, and death - it was very confronting. They thought that being part of His Kingdom meant they would get to share in His authority and influence and success. But instead, He asks them to join Him on a journey that would end on a cross.

In today’s world, the idea is just as confronting. This message of Jesus is not very appealing to a society that offers instant comfort, endless pleasure, and constant distraction. We can be fooled into thinking that fulfillment comes through the pursuit of power, wealth, and status - but Jesus promises that life is found in the exact opposite. It’s the paradox of faith. When we let go of control, when we lay down our selfishness, when we surrender our ego and ambition - we find life! The future God has for you is hidden in the cross. At the very point where we expect to lose it all, we discover new life, new hope, and new purpose. There is no other way to discover God’s good plan for you than to follow Jesus on the pathway of the cross.

Read more… Mark 8:22-38

Questions | Reflect & Respond

Do I think that a life with Jesus is really worth what it will cost me?

How much do I trust God? What makes it hard to trust Him?

The Cost Of Being A Follower | Pray

When Jesus explained what it would cost His followers to join His Kingdom, he was basically asking them to trust him with their whole selves. That’s a big call, to surrender our hopes, our dreams, our aspirations, and our ambitions to Him. It’s not something we should rush into. The life of faith is about considering what it will actually cost to follow Jesus.

It would be great to talk to God about the things you are finding hard to trust Him with. We grow our trust by spending time with God and by getting to know Him better. Why not ask God to show you more of who He is - to speak to your heart, to reassure you of His plans for you. Then make the time to sit and listen. The more we make space to listen to God, the more familiar we become with His voice. Like any relationship, it just takes time.