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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 8:35 mean?

Explanation

Mark 8:35 is a thought-provoking statement made by Jesus that invites his followers to reflect on the true cost and value of discipleship.

On the surface, the verse presents a paradox: in seeking to save one’s life (in a self-centered, worldly sense), a person will ultimately lose it, whereas if one is willing to give up their life for Jesus' sake and for the gospel, they will save it.

In a deeper sense, this verse is about the sacrifice involved in following Jesus and the rewards of eternal life that come as a result.

It challenges the reader to evaluate what they hold most dear and points out that earthly pursuits and self-preservation might lead to spiritual death, whereas sacrificing those things for the sake of Jesus and the spread of the gospel could result in spiritual life.

The life "lost" could refer to actual martyrdom or the act of dying to self-interests and living for God's purposes. The life "saved" similarly can signify eternal life or a spiritually fulfilling and meaningful life in alignment with divine will.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark was written during a time of persecution for the early Christian church, likely around 66-70 A.D.

Disciples of Jesus were faced with the very real possibility of suffering and death because of their faith.

The statement by Jesus reflects the realities of that time where his followers needed to consider the cost of discipleship and be prepared to endure hardships and even martyrdom.

The audience of Mark's Gospel would have found this message particularly relevant as they navigated the challenges and choices of their faith in a hostile environment.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, different scholars and denominations have varying interpretations of Mark 8:35.

Traditional Christian interpretations emphasize the virtue of self-sacrifice and the promise of eternal life as a reward for following Jesus.
Liberation theology might view this verse as an encouragement to forsake personal gain for the sake of social justice and serving others as part of living out the gospel.
Reformation theologians, such as Martin Luther, might emphasize the concept of dying to oneself and living in Christ as part of the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse can serve as a guide for personal sacrifice and prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly success.

It encourages individuals to:

Engage in self-reflection about their priorities and values.
Be willing to face opposition or sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of living out their faith.
Invest time and resources in spiritual pursuits and the welfare of others rather than solely in personal gain.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:39: "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Luke 17:33: "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."
John 12:25: "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to consider include:

"ψυχήν" ("psuchen"), often translated as "life", can also mean "soul" or "self," indicating the essence of one's being.
"σώσει" ("sosei"), meaning "will save," conveys rescue or preservation, especially with connotations of salvation and eternal life.
"ἀπολέσει" ("apolesei"), translated as "shall lose," implies destruction, death, or forfeiture.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Buddhist teachings, there is the idea of not being attached to the self or material possessions, which can resonate with the Christian concept of losing one’s life to save it, suggesting a relinquishment of worldly attachments for spiritual progress.

In the Greco-Roman world, there were also philosophies like Stoicism that promoted self-discipline and the subordination of personal desires for virtue and the greater good.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might consider the psychological benefits of altruism and self-sacrifice.

Studies have shown that people who live for something larger than themselves, such as a higher cause or community service, often report greater life satisfaction and well-being.

This intersects with the verse's notion that losing one’s self-centered life could lead to a more meaningful existence.

commentaries

Various Bible commentators have offered insights on Mark 8:35:

Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of the eternal soul and the danger of working for worldly gain at the expense of one's salvation.
John Calvin suggests that self-denial is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, pointing out that through the loss of our lives for Christ's sake, we actually secure our salvation.
Theologian William Barclay notes the radical demand of Jesus to his followers, not to live for their own sake but for the sake of others and the good news of the gospel.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:35 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 8:35 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?