You can just sense the jaws of the disciples dropping to the ground when they hear the first part of this teaching from Jesus in Mark 8:31. Surely, they are stunned in disbelief. The problem of not associating suffering with following Christ is still widespread today. Many want to follow Christ and come to church for the main motive of obtaining improved circumstances: I just want my marriage to get better; I want my children to be more obedient; I want to feel better about myself and have some sort of hope in my life and get rid of this guilt; My finances and/or health have taken a dive the past few years, so I would love to get some relief from Jesus. Now it’s certainly not a sin to want relief, but if we develop an expectation it can easily become idolatry. What we must understand is that prior to Christ’s second coming, Christianity and even the values of Christianity will not become increasingly popular and influential in the physical realm. Furthermore, the presence is sin is not going to be eradicated until we are all glorified, so there will be ongoing effects and consequences of our own sin and other’s sin. By God’s design, the church will not advance through prosperity, but adversity. It’s clear from Scripture that suffering is a fundamental component of Christianity. Listen to these verses:
Php. 1: 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…
2 Tim. 3: 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…
1 Pet. 2: 21 For to this you have been called [suffering for doing what is right], because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
A Christian who doesn’t suffer in some capacity is like a beach without sand; a defining characteristic is absent. The disciples are beginning to be taught that Jesus is manifested through persevering in difficulty, not basking in comfort.