On Sunday, we continued Season 3 of Binge the Bible by turning to Mark 8:27–38—a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus and a defining passage for anyone who wants to follow Him.

In this scene, the disciples finally get the confession right. Peter boldly declares that Jesus is the Messiah. But almost immediately, we discover a deeper tension: it is possible to believe in Jesus and still want to stay in charge.

Jesus responds by doing what He always does, He tells the truth. He does not hide the cost of discipleship. He speaks plainly about suffering, surrender, and the cross. And then He widens the circle and says to everyone listening, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”

Following Jesus is not about adding Him to our lives, it’s about transferring control. It’s not a gift card with limits and restrictions. Discipleship is a blank check.

One truth to carry into the week is this: The greatest threat to discipleship is not unbelief, but trying to follow Jesus while still staying in charge.