Training with the Master

Trial by fire. That might be the best way to describe the immersive training Jesus had for His disciples. Shortly after they saw Jesus cast out demons, preach, and heal the sick, He sent them out to go and do the same (Mark 6:7–13). When they returned, He told them to retreat to a desolate place and escape the crowds, just as He Himself had done earlier when Peter was unable to find Him (compare Mark 1:35–36 and 6:30–32). Jesus doesn’t call us to be mere spectators or fans. His call to follow requires much more than that.

Every time the disciples think they’ve given enough, Christ seems to ask for more. He tells them to give up their love of wealth (Mark 10:21–25). He endorses amputating a hand, a foot, or an eye if it causes them to sin (Mark 9:43–48). He calls them to leave their homes and family members (Mark 10:29). He calls them to give up honor and ambition in order to become a “slave of all” (Mark 9:35, 10:43–45). Christ says that His disciples are supposed to deny themselves, lose their lives, and forsake the world entirely (Mark 8:34–37). The disciple’s journey requires everything. No holding back.

Reaching a point of exasperation, Peter blurts out, “We have left everything and followed you” (Mark 10:28). In essence, Peter is saying: we have nothing left to give you, Jesus! In our weak moments, we tend to focus on all that we’ve given up or missed out on to follow Christ. But Jesus let Peter in on the secret, one that still holds true today. As much as Jesus asks of His disciples, He gives them far more.

Jesus miraculously provided bread and fish, far more than was needed (Mark 6:42). He granted hearing and speech and healed all manner of diseases and demonic oppression (Mark 7:30, 37). Jesus also invited His disciples to see Him as He really is. Jesus took Peter up on the mountain and was transfigured before him (Mark 9:2–8). Peter was still talking about what he saw decades later, at the end of his life (2 Peter 1:16–18).

Jesus doesn’t deny that there is a cost to following Him. But He promises a 100-fold return, both now and in eternity (Mark 10:29–30). Jesus says: what my disciples give up pales in comparison to what they receive. The difficulty of the journey pales in comparison to the joy of reaching the destination (Romans 8:18).

How about you? As you reflect this week on the journey of following Christ, consider the cost. What are you willing to give? What are you still holding back?

Prayer Priorities For the Week

Prayer is how we make our requests known to God. It is also how He aligns our hearts with His will. Determine at least three things that you want to pray for this week, then pray for these requests daily.

• I am praising and thanking God for:
• I am asking God for myself:
• I am asking God on behalf of others:

Key Verse for the Week

Memorize and write down the key verse for the week: Mark 8:34.