Transformed by Truth: Unashamed of the Gospel
Mark 8:38 (NLT): “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Introduction: A Bold Faith in a Broken World
Today, we’re focusing on a powerful and, quite frankly, sobering verse in Mark’s gospel. Jesus speaks directly about the cost of being ashamed of Him. He warns that if we deny Him in this life, we will face denial in eternity. This is a call to live a life that’s bold, unwavering, and unashamed of our Saviour. Together, we’ll explore what it means to stand for Christ in a world that often stands against Him.
1. Understanding the Call: Being Unashamed of Christ and His Message (Mark 8:38)
In Mark 8:38, Jesus says, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” The Greek word used here for “ashamed” (epaischynomai) means to experience a sense of shame or embarrassment. Jesus places this warning in the context of the “adulterous and sinful” days—meaning times filled with spiritual unfaithfulness and sin.
Jesus is calling us to a life that’s different from the world, one where we openly live our faith and share His truth without embarrassment or fear. This is echoed in Romans 1:16 (NLT), where Paul boldly declares, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.” Here, Paul reminds us that the gospel is transformative; it’s not something to hide but something to proclaim.
Think of a lighthouse that stands tall against the crashing waves, its light shining for all to see. Like that lighthouse, we are meant to shine, not to be hidden or ashamed, regardless of the pressure we face.
“We are not called to blend in but to stand out for Christ. When we understand the power of the gospel, there is no room for embarrassment.” – Francis Chan
2. The Consequences of Denying Christ (Mark 8:38; Matthew 10:33)
The second part of Mark 8:38 is challenging: “…the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Jesus is referring to His second coming, where He will return as Judge. He warns that if we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us on that day. This parallels Matthew 10:33 (NLT), “But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”
The warning is clear: our relationship with Christ should be public and steadfast. If we reject or hide Him now, we risk being separated from Him for eternity. This is not a call to perfection but to commitment—to live as His followers, even when it’s challenging.
If there are areas in your life where you’ve been reluctant to share your faith or to live boldly for Christ, now is the time to seek courage. Pray for strength to be a witness. Embrace every opportunity to reflect Christ in your actions and words.
Imagine standing before a crowd and being asked, “Are you with Him?” In that moment, our answer reflects where our hearts truly lie—are we proud to stand with our Saviour, or are we too fearful to own His name?
“To deny Jesus with our words or actions is to deny the One who gave His life for us. We must choose daily to stand for Him.” – David Platt
3. Living Boldly in a World Opposed to Christ (Romans 12:2; Philippians 1:27)
Living unashamed means standing out. Romans 12:2 (NLT) reminds us, “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” As believers, we’re called to be different—not conformed to the world but transformed by the Word.
Philippians 1:27 (NLT) tells us, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” Our citizenship is not of this world, and our lives should reflect our heavenly home. As ambassadors for Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility of representing Him.
This boldness isn’t just about words; it’s about how we live. It’s showing integrity when no one else is. It’s choosing love when the world chooses hate. Living unashamed of Christ is as much about actions as it is about proclamations.
Think about soldiers who represent their nation. They stand tall and proud, bearing their country’s emblem with honour. As Christians, we bear the name of Christ—let’s wear it with courage and integrity.
“Faith is not believing in spite of evidence; it is obeying in spite of consequence.” – Dr. John MacArthur
Conclusion: The Reward of a Life Lived Unashamed
Jesus doesn’t call us to a safe or easy faith but a courageous one. Mark 8:38 reminds us of the weight and beauty of this call—to live unashamed for Him, knowing that one day, we will stand before Him. The rewards of faithful obedience far outweigh any worldly consequence.
Call to Action: Let’s commit to living boldly, embracing the gospel in every area of our lives. Let’s share it openly, love without fear, and live unashamed of our Saviour.
Invitation: If you haven’t yet placed your faith in Jesus, today is the day to start. He invites you into a relationship that is eternal and unbreakable. Accept Him as your Lord and Saviour, and live a life marked by His courage and love.
