This week's sermon: "The Son of Man Must Suffer Many Things"

The disciples shouldn't have missed it. At least three times Jesus told them ahead of time about his death. He was going to die, and it would be intentional, but not suicidal. He would be murdered. But also he would rise again.

But why this impending death and resurrection? That he makes clear in Mark 10:45: "to give his life as a ransom for many."

Are you among the many? Mark 8:34-38 teaches that the ransomed follow Jesus, even though it means self-denial and cross-bearing. Those who have been ransomed trust and treasure Jesus enough to follow him even when it is costly. We will have our lives forever if we treasure Jesus enough to lose
them for his sake.

Read about John Piper's upcoming leave.

David Mathis (@davidcmathis) is an elder at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Twin Cities, and works as executive pastoral assistant to John Piper. He and his wife Megan have twin sons (Carson and Coleman) and live in Minneapolis. David is co-editor (with John Piper) of Thinking, Loving, Doing, most recently, and Finish the Mission, forthcoming. Yep, he plays rec softball and went yard in his last game.