Mark 9:1

This verse is the positive truth whereas Mark 8:38 expresses the negative. It concludes Jesus’ solemn warnings in this pericope on an encouraging note. Some standing in that mixed audience would not experience death before they saw a preview of the kingdom that the Son of Man would establish after He came in glory (Mark 8:38; cf. 2 Peter 1:16-19). Those individuals were Peter, James, and John (Mark 9:2-8).

This pericope should warn unbelievers and believers alike. It is also an encouragement to become a disciple of Jesus and to follow Him faithfully. The choice involves eternal loss or gain. This section would have been a special encouragement for Mark’s original readers who faced the choice of undergoing persecutions and trials for faithful commitment or abandoning their life of discipleship. Suffering and temporary loss would be Jesus’ portion, and that would also be the destiny of His disciples. However, His faithful followers would eventually experience glory and blessing, as He would.