Definition: And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 8:34. It’s a really important message about following Jesus! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is inviting people to join him on a journey. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also…” This tells us that Jesus was leading a group of people – likely his followers – and he was specifically directing them to him . "Called" means Jesus initiated this meeting. “…he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross…” This is the core of the verse. “Come after me” means to follow, to connect with, or to be with Jesus. “Deny himself” means to stop being interested in anything else – to turn away from things that don't align with what he teaches. “Take up his cross” is a very powerful metaphor. It means to willingly accept the challenges and difficulties that come with following Jesus – like pain, struggle, or even disappointment. “…and follow me.” This is the final instruction. He’s inviting people to actually join him on this journey of faith. So, what's the big takeaway? Jesus is offering a way to life that’s more fulfilling and meaningful than just existing. It’s about choosing to commit yourself to him and to his teachings, even when it’s hard. It’s a call to action – you need to choose to follow Jesus, to embrace the path he presents. Think of it like this: Imagine you're walking down a road. Jesus is offering you a shortcut that leads to a better and more rewarding destination. You have two options: continue down the original road (existing without him), or take a different path – the one that leads to his teachings and ultimately, his life. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like the meaning of "cross" or the importance of 'following'?