This is the section of Mark that changes ministry.

It would be easy, at this point, for Jesus to gain more followers.   Mark tells us that there is a crowd gathered around.  People from everywhere are coming to hear and see Jesus.  He is probably at the peak of His popularity right here.

Then, He tells the crowd a life altering statement:

If you want to come after me, take up your cross.  Sounds a lot like death to me.  Sounds like death to everyone in the crowd.

Is this what is in store for Christians today?  Only if Jesus is telling the truth.

He is.

There is still something that we must forfeit in order to have life abundant.  The measly existence that we call life.  But Jesus is ready to help us trade up.