Yesterday, the text of Mark’s gospel that I was teaching included these words: “What good is it for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul?”
I remember even as a teenager being impressed with those words. They’re underlined in my old red-letter KJV.
The disciples are looking for a Messiah with power. In their wildest dreams, they’ve never connected the Messiah with the Suffering Servant. Those had to be two different people.
But they’re not. The Messiah came not in worldly power; rather, he came as the Suffering One.
Some are delighted by that and take up the cross to follow him. Others are offended and either reject him or give him a makeover.
He was not what the disciples expected. He is not what many want. But this Suffering Messiah told us the truth: that we can spend all our lives focused on ourselves . . . or we can join him in the healing of the broken world.
Wow. How strange. My daily Bible verse E-mail was that very verse then I log on your site and your blog is on it. Strange indeed!
Being focused on self is curse. Being focused on others is a blessing. Thanks for the reminder!
Mike,
You had a red-letter KJV Bible? and even underlined passages in it?
Excellent post. I think I will join Him in the healing of the broken world. Isn’t that what you were saying in the chapter on the world in What Would Jesus Do Today? I thought that chapter was great.
I have a quotation from C. S. Lewis on my office door that verifies this veritas (truth) from Jesus.
“All that is not eternal is eternally useless.”
That helps me keep things in proper perspective.
This is exactly what I’ve been pondering for a while.
Every TV preacher or well-known minister that I’ve noticed seems to have a message that’s focused on self (your destiny, etc).
But not dying to self.
Thanks Mike for your insight. We have been dealing with the power involved in the life of the Suffering Servant Jesus. Does your old KJV red letter edition have a zipper? Mine does.
I’m convinced that there is probably not a more indicting passage for our American culture and world view than the one you bring before us today. Consumerism is all about gaining the whole world!
Thanks bro,
DU
so what is it worth to gain your soul?
I wrote a poem years ago based on that verse. It was about 3 a.m. and had to do with something someone in the family had just done and where they’d been. It’s haunted me ever since every time I think of that verse.
The Sense of Loss
Is it the loss of innocence?
Is that what I mourn?
You’ve become like the others
Jaded
and
Worn.
All that was fresh and clean
And new
The simple things I loved about you
Seem tarnished
And dull
And not quite so bright
Because you came home
So weary tonight.
World-weary, gray
Unaware of your goal.
What shall a man give
In exchange for his soul?
Dee Andrews (circa 1973)
clint, To me the answer to your question is: LIFE with God, Christ, & The Holy Spirit filled in me—here on earth, & then in Heaven. LIFE FOREVER…………………………..
I’m teaching 9th and 10th grade Bible. This 9 weeks is on attitude based on the teaching of Christ. If I can impress on the young people entrusted to me the attitude of this post, I will consider the term a success.
I’m wondering if anyone would be willing to share how they have joined Jesus in suffering so that the brokenness of the world might be healed. I long to hear how my brothers and sisters are denying themselves joining the suicide mission (taking up our cross) and following Him.
Somehow in the acquisition of material goods for the present there is an inevitable transformation within us that ultimately forfeits our future.
Consumerism is a subtle and seductive lover.
We all recognize the folks with the materialistic attitudes right?
They are the ones driving the RV’s that look like celebrity buses pulling an SUV behind them.
They are the ones with an account at Nordstrom’s.
They are the DINKS with four cars, a boat and two ATVs.
They are easy to spot and I am not like them.
Besides, buying some consumer goods is helpful to our economy and a sign of economic strength.
I am helping my country.
So, what do we expect today? Do we expect to meet Jesus among the poor, disenfranchised, outcast and hurting? Or, do we expect to meet him at the local political party mixer, or anti-gay rally, or country club, or bookstore self-help aisle? I’m really not sure anymore.
KentF
All the above and more, imho. I really believe the heart of this verse is to go meet them, wherever they are - hurting and alone without hope, bringing Jesus to them. Is there one on this earth that does not need Him? Guess that’s the one where we can expect Jesus not to be met. [wow! what an awkward sentence!]
It seems that his suffering and his power went hand in hand. He had the ability to lay down his life and take it back up again. Without his suffering, his power would not have made the same point. But his power stands out all the more because he willingly took on suffering.
what are we willing to lose in this world in order to be with the most high. to me this verse goes to the heart of “God bless ______”. are we willing to suffer and not only suffer but see suffering as a blessing. will we fight to stay comfortable in this world are will we fight for those in need. some times it scares me to be an average American.
I have been impressed with the power of this verse ever since my freshman year of college. Dr. Neale Pryor told us that it was his favorite verse almost every day in new testament survey. How true it is.
tleaf - Here’s my standard for teaching freshmen at ACU: If I can get anywhere even CLOSE to being as effective as Neale was (and, I presume, is) in those survey classes, I’m happy.
This reminds me of a quote attributed to Nate Saint, missionary in Ecuador. He and others were speared to death by the Indians they were trying to teach the Gospel to. A couple of movies were made about them. Hopefully I won’t garble the quote too badly…
When warned that what he was doing was dangerous, that they might even be killed, he said
“I am not afraid to lose what I can not keep, to secure what I can not lose.”
Beautiful, Mike. Can’t believe I didn’t even get to say goodbye to you. Hope you guys are doinbg well.
Peace–
While we shouldn’t be overly concerned with materialism, it doesn’t hurt to have a financial plan in place and to start EARLY. I think this is a Biblical concept.
Mike, your post was excellent, heart-of-the-gospel stuff. But I’m really enjoying the comments today. A few ideas from what I’ve read so far:
Clint, you asked “So what is it worth to gain your soul?” Wow! That’s probably one of the best questions I’ve heard this year (and I do keep a running list). Can I rephrase the question, “What is the value of a human soul?” I have other friends who struggle with a similar question. I don’t have an answer, yet. Can I get back to you after further reflection?
Ike, another great question. Who’s joining the suicide mission? I met one of these types recently. He holds a PhD in molecular biology, achieved a patent and was making LOADS of money doing cutting edge research in bio-engineering. He’s a “smott kid.” At least he ‘was’ smart until he gave up his career to work for an international non-profit that helps at-risk kids get education and improve the well-being of their villages and communities. So you could say that he committed financial suicide and professional suicide. For a dead guy he’s pretty happy and motivated to change the world in the name of Jesus. He even helps me believe that I could do something similar. And Chris, yes I believe my PhD friend has a financial plan… but he’ll probably die broke.
Great questions today.
-Russ
Thank you, Russ. Your story is very encouraging to me.
I wonder how many millions either have, or will, lose their souls because they tried so hard to earn God’s favor and mercy?
Christ demands surrender. Only when we give up does He show up on our behalf. God only accepts the works of Christ, and we are only accepted in Him.
The price of a soul? The precious blood of Jesus.
Grace and Peace,
Royce Ogle
Royce,
I just wanted to ask the question, “Why do people feel they have to earn it?” Where did they learn that from? Could it be generations of legalistic doctrine being preached from pulpits? No wonder scripture talks about the great responsibility it is to preach/teach.
Clint,
I’m still working on that question you asked: “So what is it worth to gain your soul?” Please bear with me a little longer.
Russ
what is the bible reference …for what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul………