Mark 9:1-29. Following Christ 101

In Mark 8, Jesus begins to withdraw from the crowds and focus on his disciples. With Jerusalem and his looming death on his mind, Jesus begins to teach his disciples what it truly means for him to be the Christ and what it looks like to follow Christ. It’s as if they enter the classroom for a class on discipleship, “Following Christ 101.” In Mark 9, we find two of the most fundamental aspects of what it means to follow Christ. Christ-followers should expect suffering for their faith, and they must express dependence on Jesus as their source of strength. 2,000 years later, the lessons are just as appropriate for us.