For what can a man give in return for his soul?
Mark 8:37 (ESV)
The questions Jesus asks throughout the gospels deeply penetrate the center and core of our being. His questions, even the seemingly simple ones, like the one in Mark 8:37 are meant to give us pause and cause us to truly evaluate what we are hearing him say. This question relates to verse 34, where Jesus laid out the parameters of what it costs to follow him. To be his disciple we must deny ourselves and take up our cross. As Jesus further explains what this means, he presents this question for his hearers and us to consider. “What can man give in return for his soul?” It is a profound question that I should regularly engage with at a heart level. It calls me to examine my heart and review my actions each day to see where I am lost in idolatry. I need to give deep consideration to where I am placing anything above Jesus.
My life and soul are of immense value. A value well beyond the material wealth of the world. When this body finally breaks down and I leave this physical world, my soul will carry on. There is no physical or material wealth that can ever provide for my soul. There is no physical or material wealth that can redeem my soul. Jesus is my only redeemer and the cost to purchase my soul was his perfect sinless life of obedience through suffering. Jesus paid the cost of my soul not with material wealth or good deeds but with his very life. The purchase of my soul cost the life of the Son of God.
Why would I think that I could care for my soul with fleeting physical items or desires? It is laughable to think that I could ever find eternal comfort for my soul by pursuing physical comfort in this world. My pursuit of these comforts goes directly against what Christ has already accomplished for me.
I don’t often struggle with pursuing material wealth as a means to redeem my soul, but I do struggle with pursuing material wealth in addition to the cross of Christ. This verse reminds me that I am often tempted to add on the finished work of Jesus in my life. I am tempted to believe that I need to give something to Jesus in return. As though Jesus is like that friend who helps you in your time of need but always wants you to pay him back in some manner. I often fall into the trap that I must add something to the purchase and redemption of my soul. It is difficult to remember that there is indeed nothing to add.
It is all about Jesus. All of life is about Jesus. Through the blood of Christ on the cross, my soul can be at rest knowing that my Savior has redeemed me from the pit of Sheol and has brought me into the glorious family of God. Through Jesus, I am a child of God. I am now an heir with Christ. All that is my Father’s is mine through Christ. I have no need to accumulate material wealth or to strive after physical comfort and power. I have everything I need in Jesus. All of the universe belongs to my Father and he freely gives to his beloved children. So I can simply focus on loving Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. He will provide all the necessary means to live a life dedicated to building the Kingdom of God.