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Mark 8

In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,

I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?

And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.

And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.

And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.

And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

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?

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

What does Mark 8:34 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 8:34 is a call to discipleship from Jesus Christ to the crowds and His disciples. In this passage, Jesus outlines the requirements for following Him, emphasizing self-denial and bearing one’s personal cross.

The verse has both a literal meaning and a deeper, metaphorical implication.

Literally, Jesus is preparing His followers for the potential hardships and persecution that may come with being His disciples.

Metaphorically, taking up one's cross signifies a willingness to surrender personal desires and ambitions in favor of God's will.

This involves a commitment to undergo personal sacrifice, endure trials, and maintain faithfulness to Jesus' teachings and example, regardless of the cost.

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Historical Context

Mark 8:34 occurs within the broader narrative of the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus gradually reveals His identity and mission to His disciples.

The Gospel was likely written around 65-70 AD, a time when early Christians faced persecution for their faith.

The "cross" in Jesus' time was a symbol of suffering, shame, and execution, as the Romans used crucifixion to punish criminals and dissidents.

Thus, the original audience would have understood Jesus' words as a sobering invitation to be prepared to suffer for their allegiance to Him.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on the concept of discipleship in Christianity.

From a traditional Christian perspective, the passage emphasizes the need for total surrender to God's will and readiness to face persecution for one's faith.

Some theologians point to a view of "theology of the cross," where suffering is an inherent part of the Christian journey to redemption.

Others may highlight the verse as a call to a life of Christian ethics marked by selflessness and active love for others.

Among various Christian denominations, interpretations might diverge slightly based on doctrinal emphases, but the core idea of a sacrificial following of Jesus remains central.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Mark 8:34 challenges individuals to assess their commitment to Christ.

It urges believers to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly gains and to embrace sacrifices that may be necessary in their Christian walk.

This might manifest in various ways, such as serving others selflessly, standing up for one's faith in hostile environments, or making lifestyle choices that reflect Christian values over societal norms.

The call to "take up one's cross" can be interpreted as an encouragement to persevere through personal struggles and to find spiritual significance in overcoming life's challenges.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:24 - "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Luke 9:23 - "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
Luke 14:27 - "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."

Language Study

The phrase "take up his cross" in the original Greek text is "ἄρατω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ" (aratō ton stauron autou).

The verb "ἄρατω" (aratō) is an imperative form, meaning "to lift up" or "to carry." "Σταυρὸν" (stauron) refers to "cross," which connotes a wooden beam or stake used for execution in the Roman context.

The use of the possessive pronoun "αὐτοῦ" (autou) meaning "his" personalizes the experience of bearing the cross, suggesting that each individual has personal challenges or sacrifices to accept in following Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of self-denial or relinquishing one's desires for a greater cause has parallels in other religious and cultural traditions.

For example, in Buddhism, there is an idea of renouncing worldly attachments to reach enlightenment.

In some interpretations of Islamic Sufism, individuals seek to deny their ego to achieve closer union with God.

The notion of enduring suffering as part of a spiritual journey is not exclusive to Christianity and can be found in varying forms across different faiths and mythologies.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the process of self-denial and enduring hardships could be explored through the lens of psychology.

Psychological research on delayed gratification, resilience, and the benefits of facing challenges can shed light on the ways in which individuals grow and develop character through sacrifice and perseverance.

These concepts link to Jesus' call to deny oneself and bear personal crosses, suggesting that such practices can have tangible positive effects on personal development and mental well-being.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of Mark 8:34.

Some commentaries, like those from John Calvin and Matthew Henry, highlight the transformative power of the call to discipleship, and emphasize the theme of self-denial as foundational to following Christ.

Contemporary scholars, such as N.T.

Wright, may stress the historical and cultural realities that underline the radical nature of Jesus' demand, while also drawing out its relevance for modern believers.

Theologians from different branches of Christianity will often focus on the implications of this verse for understanding Jesus' call to a life marked by sacrificial love, ongoing repentance, and obedience to God.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:34 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 8:34 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?