This sermon was preached on the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19B) at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles. You may watch the video of this sermon by clicking here. The readings which inspired the sermon were the following:
Proverbs 1:20-33
Psalm 19
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38
Opening Prayer: Holy God, let my words be your words and when my words are not your words, let your people be wise enough to know the same. Amen.
Introduction: Who Do You Say That I Am?
Today’s Gospel lesson from Mark transports us into a moment of critical clarity. Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And the answers come quickly: John the Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets. But then Jesus gets personal, turning to the twelve and asking, "But who do you say that I am?"
This question is at the heart of discipleship. It forces each of us to confront our own understanding of Jesus and his mission. Peter’s response, "You are the Messiah," reveals his faith, but as we soon see, it’s not fully formed. Peter, like many of us, is still learning what it means to follow Jesus. Discipleship, after all, is not about having all the right answers; it’s about being on a journey of growth and transformation.
The Hard Road of Discipleship
After Peter’s declaration, Jesus speaks openly about the suffering that lies ahead: the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, be rejected, killed, and rise again. This was not the triumphant Messiah that Peter expected. Peter reacts as many of us would, recoiling from the idea of a suffering Savior, rebuking Jesus for this talk of death and defeat.
Jesus responds to Peter’s resistance with harsh words: "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." Jesus challenges Peter—and challenges us—to see beyond worldly success, comfort, and power. Discipleship is not about achieving greatness in the eyes of the world; it’s about aligning ourselves with the will of God, even when that path leads to sacrifice.
Taking Up the Cross
Jesus then turns to the crowd, widening the scope of this message. His call to discipleship is not only for the twelve but for everyone. "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
This is the heart of discipleship: self-denial, carrying the cross, and following Jesus. It’s a call to lose our lives in order to save them, to let go of our attachment to worldly success so we may embrace the way of the cross. But what does this look like in our everyday lives?
For some of us, this might mean stepping out of our comfort zones, letting go of the need to control, or being willing to face ridicule or rejection for the sake of the gospel. For others, it might mean a deep inner transformation—a willingness to let go of pride, selfishness, or fear in order to truly follow Christ’s way of love and service.
Discipleship at Holy Apostles: Growing as Students of Jesus
Here at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles, we are all students of Jesus. The call to discipleship is a call to lifelong learning. We are called to listen to Jesus’ teachings, not just with our ears but with our hearts, to let his words reshape our lives and our communities.
This passage from Mark invites us to reflect on how we, as a church, can continue to grow in discipleship. Are we willing to embrace the difficult, countercultural path of following Jesus? Are we willing to set aside our own desires and agendas in order to serve others in Christ’s name?
One of the ways we can take up our cross is by becoming more intentional about how we live out our faith in the world. Discipleship isn’t limited to what happens within the walls of the church—it’s about how we live every day. How do we treat our neighbors, our co-workers, and the strangers we encounter? How do we embody Christ’s love in our families and communities?
Conclusion: Losing and Gaining Life
Jesus’ words may seem difficult, even drastic: "For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it." This is the paradox of discipleship. When we cling too tightly to our own lives, our own desires, we end up losing sight of what truly matters. But when we let go—when we surrender to the way of Christ—we find a deeper, truer life, rooted in love, mercy, and justice.
As we reflect on what it means to take up our cross, let us remember that discipleship is not a solitary journey. We walk this path together, as a community of faith, supporting and encouraging one another as we seek to follow Christ more closely.
May we have the courage to answer Jesus’ call, to take up our cross, and to live lives of radical discipleship. Amen.
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