We never stop following Jesus. That means we never stop laying down our lives for the sake of finding our greatest satisfaction in being a servant of the King. Jesus not only modeled being a Servant, but He also went to the cross as the Suffering-Servant and rose the Servant-King. We do not follow in the footsteps of Jesus, rather in our weakness we worship Jesus confident of what He has done to ransom us from sin’s curse. When our hearts are captured by the beauty of Jesus, we then find our ultimate purpose in knowing Him and making Him known. Let’s go disciple – Live out your identity, and let’s go disciple – Laying down our lives to see others follow Him.

The cross is not the end of the story. If it were, the messianic movement would have dissolved, the disciples dispersed, and the Gospel defeated. But, with all the human elements of authenticity, God declares the tomb empty and Jesus risen. The women-witnesses did not expect it and were shocked to hear of it. Then the Gospel of Mark abruptly closes, reminding us that the only appropriate response to this resurrection event beyond human comprehension is fear and awe - an emotion that ought to characterize the life and mission of every disciple of Jesus Christ.

Supernatural events mixed with deeply human suffering mark the cup Jesus embraced drinking from the Father. In these events the whole message of the Gospel, from Genesis to Revelation unfolds – the curse of sin, the wrath of God, the sacrifice of the Son, and the varied responses of human hearts. Come consider the significance of the contents of the cup.