Three related instances of the verbal paradox in the gospel of mark. 8:35. Who so ever wishes to save his life shall lose shall lose it. And who so ever loses his life, shall save it.
I never take Scripture out of context, so what was Jesus referring to when he made that statement?
Mark 8:31-38….
”And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (ESV)
Jesus had just finished telling his disciples what lies ahead for him…Peter rebuked him saying that he would not have that destiny at all, but Jesus said to Peter “get behind me satan”…..what a stinging rebuttal as Peter had not yet grasped the seriousness of what Jesus had to go through and what it meant for humanity. Peter was thinking like a man, not getting the true sense of Christ’s mission.
Telling his disciples that they must take up their own instrument of torture (whatever form of persecution that might involve) and to keep following him under the heaviest of trouble, would lead to everlasting life…even if they had to die faithful, they would never lose their chance for everlasting life.
For Peter, this lesson will be learned the hard way because Jesus said…
”For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels”.
On the night of his arrest, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times due to fear of man. So those who want to save their life by giving in to fear of man, will have it taken from them….but those who courageously face death for Jesus sake, and for the sake of the gospel would guarantee their place in the Kingdom.
Peter learned his lesson and was a faithful apostle up until his death, like his fellow apostles, despite the trials that beset them for their faith. (Hebrews 11:37)
9:35. If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all.
10:43. Who ever wishes to become great, shall be your servant.
Jesus taught his Jewish disciples to be humble, which was at times difficult because of the culture in which they were raised…..egos wanted to “the greatest”, but Jesus reminded them that the one who humbly serves others is greater than the one waiting to be served. Jesus himself was a “servant” of his God.(Acts 4:27)
And those who want to be first, should be content just to be present…..pushing in to give yourself first place would be humiliating if God then took you to the end of the queue. Putting yourself last would mean a promotion even if you were put in the middle.
Humility is freedom from pride or arrogance; lowliness of mind. It is not weakness but meekness….a state of mind that is pleasing to God. Jesus demonstrated it often, even washing the feet of his apostles.
Can the members unpack the meanings the three paradoxical staements by Jesus.
Jesus doesn't condractict himself.
No he does not, but read in context and knowing what principles Christ taught, makes the meaning of these verses clear.
I hope that helps….
