The Mystery

of the Cross
Mark 8:34-38
John 19:17-27
 Mark 8:34-38
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up
their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will
lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their
soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If
anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful
generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in
his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
 Summary
Jesus delivers a profound message to His followers, emphasizing the radical
commitment required to be His disciple. He calls upon them to "deny
themselves" and "take up their cross," urging them to prioritize spiritual
values over worldly desires. This imagery of taking up one's cross symbolizes
embracing suffering and self-denial for the sake of following Christ. Jesus
underscores the paradox of Christian faith, stating that those who seek to
save their lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for His sake and
the gospel will find true salvation. He poses a thought-provoking question
about the value of gaining the whole world at the expense of one's soul,
challenging His disciples to consider the eternal significance of their choices.
 John 19:17-27
17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in
Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two
others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of
Nazareth, the king of the jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place
where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in
Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate,
“Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the
Jews.”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

 John 19:17-27
23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares,
one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless,
woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,
“They divided my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.”
So this is what the soldiers did.

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he
loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple,
“Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
 Summary
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, with a sign declaring him as the King of the Jews.
Despite objections, Pilate refuses to change the inscription. Soldiers divide his
garments and cast lots for his seamless robe, fulfilling prophecies. Near the cross
stand Jesus' mother, Mary, and other women, along with the beloved disciple.
Despite his agony, Jesus ensures his mother's care, entrusting her to the beloved
disciple, forming a new familial bond. From that moment, the disciple welcomes
her into his home. This act not only highlights Jesus' concern for family but also
symbolizes the formation of a new familial bond within the community of
believers. The presence of loyal women near the cross underscores their devotion,
even in the face of danger. This passage offers poignant glimpses into Jesus'
compassion amidst suffering and the formation of a new spiritual family centered
around him.
 Conclusion
The mystery of the Cross lies in its profound symbolism of
redemption, sacrifice, and divine love. Through Mark 8:34-38
and John 19:17-27, we are invited to contemplate the depth of
Jesus' commitment to humanity and His call for us to follow
Him wholeheartedly. Let us reflect on these verses and allow
their message to transform our lives, inspiring us to embrace
the sacrificial love of Christ and share it with one another.
Thank You
Very Much