Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 8:35

"For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel`s shall save it." — Mark 8:35 (ASV)

Sometimes Christians are faced with the alternatives of confessing Christ or denying him. Jesus warns that by denying him, one’s physical life may be saved, but one’s eternal life will be lost. Conversely, to lose one’s physical life by remaining true to Christ assures one of salvation. Mark therefore sounded a warning to any who might be thinking of defecting under trial. “For me” stresses the absoluteness of Jesus’ claim for allegiance, and “for the gospel” refers to the preaching of God’s Good News for which people are to give their lives.