Definition: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Mark 8:35. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the price of following Jesus and sharing his message. It’s essentially saying that sacrificing your life for someone else is a very big deal, and it comes with a risk. Let’s unpack each part: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it”: This means if you choose to live according to Jesus’ teachings and follow him, you are putting yourself at risk. You could die. It’s a direct warning about the potential for death. It's not just about physical death; it can also refer to losing your life in this world. “But whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” This is where it gets really interesting. It emphasizes why someone should sacrifice their life. "For my sake" : Jesus is emphasizing that he's offering this as a gift to him. He wants to be saved. “and the gospel’s” : The "gospel" refers to the good news of Jesus Christ – that he is the way, the truth, and the life. It's about salvation (being freed from sin and death). So, what does it mean in practice? It means that if you truly believe in Jesus and live according to his teachings, and you share that message with others, you are putting yourself at risk. You are potentially sacrificing your own life for the sake of others. Important Context & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a challenge to those who oppose Jesus or his message. It's not encouraging anyone to die; it’s emphasizing that someone must be willing to take a risk – to sacrifice their life – to share the Gospel and bring salvation. It speaks to the idea that sharing your faith is a vulnerable act. Essentially, it’s a powerful statement about the importance of evangelism (sharing your beliefs) and the potential cost involved. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical texts. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore different theological perspectives on this idea?