Ha! Who Needs a Soul, Right?

Part 1 of 3.

First, the Bible part.

Let's look at a very important portion of Scripture that has a direct bearing on our subject. The enormous value of our souls. 

Mark 8.34-38. King James Bible. 

34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

A Christian Discourse on Mark 8:34-38

Jesus is addressing the very essence of Christian discipleship. His words are at the same time challenging and inspiring, calling us to consider what it truly means to follow Him.

1. The Call to Discipleship is a Call to Self-Denial (Verse 34)

“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Jesus begins with a call to deny ourselves and to set aside all personal ambitions, desires, and comforts, setting our hearts and minds on what is God's will for our lives above and beyond that of our own. This is not self-punishment or self-abuse in any way, but about aligning ourselves, spirit, soul and body, with God's purposes. Taking up the cross clearly implies a willingness on our part to engage in whatever hardship and sacrifice lies along our path for the sake of Christ. Following Him requires total trust, even when, and in this particular sense, especially when, the path is difficult.

2. The Eternal Value of Life in Christ (Verse 35)

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

Here, Jesus contrasts two perspectives on life: living for ourselves---versus living for Christ. True life is found in surrender to God. While the world teaches us to cling to our own ambitions, by stark contrast Jesus reminds us that eternal life is found in knowing Him and embracing the gospel wholeheartedly.

3. The Unspeakable Value of a Soul (Verse 36-37)

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

These questions are a loud and solemn call, and they demand prolonged reflection, prayer and meditation. Nothing. No earthly achievement. No worldly, possession can in any way compare to the infinite value of the soul. Jesus strictly warns us that the pursuit of worldly gain at the expense of spiritual health is a tragic and irreversible exchange. Our souls belong to God, and they are of incomparable worth.

4. The Great Danger of Being Ashamed of the Gospel (Verse 38).

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

In a world that is increasingly hostile to faith, standing for Christ will be challenging. Yet, Jesus warns of the eternal consequences of denying Him. To remain faithful, even when it is costly, is to honor Christ and manifests our secure place in His glory. Saint Paul fulfills the words of Jesus here when he says in Romans 1.16 that he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Are we?

Closing Reflection

This passage of Holy Scripture is a loud and powerful challenge to every believer to examine their priorities and commitment to Christ. Are we willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him? Are we investing in the eternal value of our souls rather than the fleeting rewards of the world? And, most importantly, are we unashamed of our Saviour in thought, word and deed?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank You for the life and teachings of Jesus. We hear His call to follow Him with our whole hearts. Grant us the needed Grace to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and live for Your glory. Guard us against the lure of worldly gain, and remind us constantly of the eternal value of our souls. May we never be ashamed to proclaim Your name and share Your truth. Strengthen us to walk faithfully, and grant us the grace to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when we stand before You in glory.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen.