Mark 8:34

“And when he had called the people unto him, etc..] Who, it seems, followed him out of Galilee, from Bethsaida, and these parts; for it was in the way from thence to Caesarea Philippi, that Christ had this conversation with his disciples; who walked together alone, the multitude following at some distance; and the private conversation being ended, Christ called, or beckoned to the people, to come nearer to him: with his disciples also; for what he was about to say, concerned them both: whosoever will come after me; in a spiritual sense, as this multitude did in a natural one, and which is the same as to be a disciple of his: let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me;…”

“See this passage illustrated in the notes at Matthew 16:13-28. Mark 8:32 He spake that saying openly - With boldness or confidence, or without parables or figures, so that there could be no possibility of misunderstanding him. Mark 8:38 Ashamed of me - Ashamed to own attachment to me on account of my lowly appearance and my poverty. And of my words - My doctrines, my instructions. This adulterous and sinful generation - This age given to wickedness, particularly to adultery. In the glory of his Father - In the day of judgment. See the notes at Matthew 26:64. The meaning of this verse is, Whosoever shall refuse, through pride or wickedness, to acknowledge and serve Christ here, shall be…”

“And when he called the people - To hear a truth of the last importance, and one that equally concerned them all. Let him deny himself - His own will, in all things small and great, however pleasing, and that continually: And take up his cross - Embrace the will of God, however painful, daily, hourly, continually. Thus only can he follow me in holiness to glory. Mark 8:35”

“8:34-38 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples and the crowd lays out the cost of being his follower. • To give up your own way involves letting Jesus determine your goals and purposes in life. To take up your cross is metaphorical (cp. Luke 9:23); it indicates that faithfulness to Jesus must extend, if required, even to the point of death. To follow Jesus’ teaching and example is a continual commitment.”

“called: Mar 7:14; Luk 9:23, Luk 20:45 Whosoever: Mar 9:43-48; Mat 5:29, Mat 5:30, Mat 7:13, Mat 7:14, Mat 16:24; Luk 13:24, Luk 14:27, Luk 14:33; Rom 15:1-3; Co1 8:13, Co1 9:19; Phi 3:7; Tit 2:12 take: Mar 10:21; Mat 10:38, Mat 27:32; Joh 19:17; Act 14:22; Rom 6:6, Rom 8:17; Co1 4:9-13; Co1 15:31; Gal 2:20, Gal 5:24, Gal 6:14; Phi 3:10; Col 1:24, Col 3:5; Th2 3:11; Pe1 4:1, Pe1 4:13; Rev 2:10 follow: Num 14:24; Kg1 14:8; Luk 14:26, Luk 18:22; Joh 10:27, Joh 13:36, Joh 13:37, Joh 21:19, Joh 21:20; Heb 13:13; Pe2 1:14; Jo1 3:16 Mark 8:35”