100x

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus paints a picture for his disciples of what it looks like to follow after Him - and it isn't exactly a compelling picture. To follow after Jesus means that you go last, you leave behind, and you give up things of value. We can be sure this didn't exactly sound exciting to the disciples and it certainly doesn't to we who live in an affluent and individualistic 21st century. But then Jesus turns this message on its head and reveals that to give it all up - to give your very self - is the most blessed and beautiful way to live. That the last are actually first.