March is here, whether we’re ready for it or not. And as an avid college basketball fan, it is difficult for me to say “March” without also including the word “madness.” Those of you who also love this time of year know what I mean when I say, “Let the madness begin!” Selection Sunday is March 14, and there is little doubt that many Americans will anxiously await the selection of their favorite college basketball team to the coveted NCAA Tournament. And as they wait, questions abound: “Did they make it?” “Are they a one-seed?” “Two-seed?” “Who do they play first round?” “Can they make the sweet 16?” Then, after the Selection Show, it won’t take but a few minutes for fans to print the bracket (probably more than once), so they can make their picks as to who they believe will make the final four. “It’s madness,” I say, “March Madness!”
College basketball fans not only have a favorite team, but in most cases, they do not have a problem telling others about it. And they’ll be quick to let you know when their team has just defeated yours. They are passionate and enthusiastic. They are devoted and loyal. In other words, they loyally follow their team all the way, even when they lose. As a matter of fact, even if their team goes out the first round, they’re still an avid fan. So, as we get wrapped up in this madness over the next month, I wonder—are we willing to show this passion elsewhere? Does anyone or anything also deserve this loyalty? I mean, after all it’s just basketball. Right?
The Gospel of Mark
Well, what about Jesus? Shouldn’t the loyalty to follow our favorite basketball team at least be similar to the believer’s loyalty to follow Jesus? Over the next three months I’m going to share with you Jesus’ expectations for Christians to follow Him as it is written in this Gospel. Mark’s account is about the life of Jesus as the Son of God (1:1). As he catalogs the events of Jesus’ life, he emphasizes two dynamics. First, the identity of Jesus and second, the responsibility of those who follow Jesus. His Gospel account can be structured using geographical markers, the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God (Galilean ministry, 1:14-8:21), the mission of Jesus as the Son of God (on the way to Jerusalem, 8:22-10:52) and the affirmation of Jesus as the Son of God (Jerusalem, 11:1-16:8). The central section of Mark’s account is our focus.
The central section (8:22-10:52) features Jesus’ movement from Galilee to Jerusalem. In other words, He is “on the way” to the cross and basically identifying those who will follow Him regardless of where His journey ends. What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus, to identify with Jesus? This section offers a three-fold pattern. Mark communicates Jesus’ mission (the prediction of His death), the disciples’ response and Jesus’ teaching based upon their response.
Mark 8:27-38 – A Loyal Follower
As Jesus heads to Jerusalem, He makes his mission clear; He must die (v. 31). This was not received well, especially by Peter. As a matter of fact, Peter speaks up and basically states that Jesus’ teaching is wrong and that he will not have any of His talk (v. 32). To Peter, Jesus was in great error, for how can a rejected and suffering Messiah be compatible with Jewish convictions and hopes? Peter correctly states Jesus’ identity (v. 29), but incorrectly understands his own responsibility as a follower.
Peter pulled Jesus, his rabbi, aside (proslabomenos) in order to teach Him undisturbed, as if he was the one qualified to teach Jesus. Peter’s rebuke indicates that Jesus’ mission must be censured or quieted. Clearly, Peter was no longer following his teacher; therefore, Jesus’ response was one of correction. “Peter, assume the position of a follower, get behind me (opiso), not beside me.” Jesus not only responded to Peter by correcting his posture, but He also identified him as one who lacked devotion to God’s plan. God’s plan was not Peter’s concern. Peter saw Jesus’ death as unthinkable, but Jesus saw His own death as inevitable.
Jesus responded to Peter’s actions by teaching what it means to loyally follow him (vv. 34-38). Those who follow (opiso) Him must deny themselves, take up his or her cross, and follow. Jesus stated that the follower must surrender/give up/forsake his own desires and ambitions (denying oneself) and submit to Jesus as a slave. He must have a willingness to renounce all for Christ, a vivid illustration of humility and submission (taking one’s cross). He must loyally follow regardless of Christ’s anticipated suffering. Peter was not willing to do this. Are we? Are we willing to follow Jesus with the same passion, affection and loyalties as our favorite basketball team in March?
Jesus also included the consequences of loyally following Him (vv. 35-38). Those who follow have the possibility of losing their life (v. 34-35, cross bearing); especially if they are loyal to Jesus and submit to His gospel message. However, there is also the possibility of gaining the whole world (its power, prestige and wealth) if one were to forsake following Christ; but is it worth it? Hardly, at the cost of your soul (v. 36)! There is nothing that would pay for such a loss (one’s soul). According to Jesus it is unfathomable that one would choose to gain the whole world and lose one’s soul in the process (v. 37). Ultimately, the refusal to loyally follow Jesus alienates one from Him (v. 38).
A Challenge for Followers of Jesus
I do not want to guilt readers in to believing they must give up watching basketball this March. Rather, my hope is to offer a sober reminder that following Jesus must be a priority. Jesus is not just concerned with following, but the consistent patterning of one’s life after Him. Jesus’ agenda should be our agenda. In other words, Jesus does not want any of us to practice our own agenda in leu of God’s agenda (which is what Peter did). The believer is to loyally follow God’s Son despite the potential consequences.
by Wayne Slusser, Ph.D., dean of Baptist Bible Seminary
