In Mark 8:31 – 9:1 Jesus reveals to us what he came to do and what it will mean to follow him. As God’s King, the Christ, he came to suffer, die, and be raised again. His first coming was one where he did not come in glory to conquer but in humility to bear God’s wrath on behalf of sinful people. From his life we thus have a pattern—suffering and self-denial first, glory later. This pattern is to be seen also in the lives of his followers. We must deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Christ. Suffering and self-denial comes before glory.
Christ has not promised Christians their best life now. He has not promised that the work of sanctification will be easy. Throughout our lives as Christians there will be a constant battle between the old and the new man (Colossians 3:1–11). Following Christ is not easy and as a result we are easily tempted by false teachers who proclaim an easy life of comfort and blessing. That is why false teaching will always be popular. However, as those who belong to Christ, we trust that he has given us grace to conquer and has freed us from the power of sin so that we can serve him. He has saved us by grace, and by grace he will sanctify us. As we furnish our souls by pursuing godliness, Christ is furnishing us through his Spirit.
17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.