Tag: <span>cross</span>

Summary: In this biblical passage, when Jesus and his disciples talk about who people think he really is, Jesus begins to describe what it means to follow him. The instructions he gives, to deny oneself and take up a cross, are not easy.

I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.

Bible commentary: preachers & teachers workingpreacher.org commentary

Summary: This article is more academic than most of the other things I’ve written that are accessible on the Web. It explores Jesus’ words in Mark 8:34: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” The self-denial Jesus calls for isn’t about self-improvement. It’s to embrace a new identity that makes a public declaration of our commitment to the enactment of God’s reign.

Read the full article from the journal Word & World. It was originally published in the Summer 2003 issue.

Journal articles