In Mark’s gospel the disciples are never “followers.” The disciples are “prized students.” The “followers” would be those people who jump on and off the bandwagon at a whim. It is important to make this clarification for Mark.
Again this is another prime example of the disciples being shown in “a poor light…”
Poor old Peter… Peter calls Jesus “the Messiah” and three short verses later – Jesus is calling Peter – “Satan.”
Poor old Jesus. Just when his disciples affirm that they’ve got it…they finally understand…they get it…they now see fully what Jesus’ mission is and where his authority comes…from…
There must have been a kind of electricity or excitement in the air. It was a holy moment,
Jesus must have been momentarily elated. Momentarily, I said.
Isn’t that exactly how life goes? One minute you are riding high…and in the very next moment of time…something is said or happens to change everything…
So therefore:
Two short verses later and Peter reveals that they are still misunderstanding and/or are unwilling to follow the logic of what Jesus has been teaching them all along. So much for riding high.
It’s the old – you can lead a horse to water thingy – but you cannot make him drink?
The prediction of his suffering and rejection by the religious authorities was actually not rocket science…nor did it require any special “divinity” on Jesus’ part.
Given his rather “exalted status” that is now being attributed to Jesus – by some of his followers, and given his challenge to the authority of the elders, chief priests and scribes…it did not take a genius – to know that this could only end badly.
“A wise person” would stay clear from Jerusalem…avoiding it like the plague.
The prediction of his “resurrection” is a whole different matter. It is a whole different ballgame. That thought alone adds a whole new and completely novel twist to everything.
No one expected that twist either.
Nor would anyone inquire or ask about it…any further.
Jesus drops a bomb or two…and expects understanding. It is like he expects acceptance of his words.
Well, I am here to tell you – that according to Mark – that does not happen.
Having spoken to the disciples, Jesus now calls the crowd and teaches them explicitly…
You know, if you want to be a follower…that means you have to follow…no matter where life takes you.
There can be no excuse.
You either follow or you do not.
You follow all the way…wherever the journey takes you…or you do not.
If you are a follower – there is no jumping ship. Those who jump ship are not followers.
Sooner or later – people have to find the courage to put their money where their mouth is…
Somewhere, sometime during this life’s journey you have to be true to your values.
Sooner or later your choices in this life have to reflect the good news of Jesus – if you are indeed a follower of his.
Pain and loss just happen to be – unavoidable consequences of life and living. You know that. You realize that already. You may even already understand that.
There is no pain free way to live…completely.
If you are human, there is no avoiding the pain – in – life.
Whatever you understand “taking up your cross” to mean – surely it means more than a self-centered existence…surely it means more than even a family centered life.
“If” you are a follower of Jesus – “the other” – the “stranger” – the “foreigner” must enter into the equation. You have to be concerned about “the other.”
Remember according to Mark’s gospel, Jesus came to give himself as a ransom for all. He came to serve and not be served.
I may be off-base here – but I think a follower – is to follow where Jesus has already lead the way.
So, are you a follower or not?