Go! And Gain What Truly Matters - Mark 8:36
Mark 8:36 (NLT): “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”
Introduction: The Ultimate Question
Welcome again to our “Go! And…” series — messages that challenge us to live intentionally, faithfully, and Christ-exalting lives. Today, we come face-to-face with one of the most direct, soul-searching questions Jesus ever asked.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”
This isn’t just a verse to read. It’s a truth to wrestle with. Because we live in a time when people measure life by possessions, position, prestige, and popularity. Jesus, however, flips the script.
He draws our attention to what is eternal, not temporary — to what truly matters. And He asks us to consider: is anything worth more than your soul?
So today’s sermon is titled:
“Go! And Gain What Truly Matters.”
Because there is a danger of gaining the wrong things and losing what matters most.
1. The Context: A Call to the Cross
To understand the weight of Mark 8:36, we must go back a few verses.
Jesus had just told His disciples that He must suffer and die. Peter rebukes Him, unable to grasp the necessity of the cross. But Jesus doesn't back down. He calls the crowd together and says:
Mark 8:34 (NLT): “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”
Then He asks the question in verse 36.
The Greek word translated “soul” is psyche — the life, the eternal essence of who you are. Your very being.
Jesus is saying: You could have it all — wealth, fame, power — but if you forfeit your soul, you’ve lost everything.
John Piper: “Christ did not die to forgive sinners who go on treasuring anything above seeing and savouring God.”
The issue is not whether we believe in God, but whether He is our treasure. What we chase reveals what we cherish.
2. The Illusion of Worldly Gain
There is a powerful illusion in our world: that material gain equals personal success. That more stuff means more joy. That more applause means more value.
But what does Jesus say?
Luke 12:15 (NLT): “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
The Greek word for “gain” in Mark 8:36 is kérdos — meaning profit, advantage. Jesus asks, “What is the real profit if you gain everything but lose you?”
1 John 2:17 (NLT): “And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”
Imagine a man who wins a billion-pound lottery. He buys mansions, yachts, jets — but dies the next day, never knowing Christ. What has he really gained?
Charles Stanley: “Earthly possessions are temporary; eternal treasures are forever. Make your investments accordingly.”
Friends, your bank balance may impress the world — but it won’t impress heaven. Only what is done for Christ will last.
3. The Eternal Value of the Soul
Why does Jesus make such a sharp contrast? Because your soul is eternal. It was created by God and for God.
Genesis 2:7 (NLT): “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.”
The Hebrew word nephesh means soul, breath, life. God breathed eternal purpose into you. Your soul is not disposable. It is destined — either for eternal life or eternal separation.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 (NLT): “For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.”
Think of a priceless painting discovered in a charity shop. It had been covered in dust, forgotten — but its value never changed. That’s your soul. In the eyes of God, your soul is priceless.
Max Lucado: “You are the only you God made… God made you and broke the mold.”
You matter to God — not because of what you do, but because of who He made you to be. And He longs to redeem your soul.
4. The Gospel: Christ Gave Everything for Your Soul
You see, we were all on the path of losing our souls. But Jesus stepped in. He lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death, and rose in glorious victory.
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): “Christ died for our sins… He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day.”
This is not religion. This is redemption. Jesus paid the price for your soul. He didn’t just save your Sunday — He saved your eternity.
Tim Keller: “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
Jesus didn’t die to improve your life — He died to rescue your soul. This is why He asked the question in Mark 8:36 — He knew the cost of your redemption.
5. The Call: Repent, Believe, Follow
You don’t drift into salvation. Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.” That’s a call to repentance — a turning from sin and self, and a turning to Christ.
Acts 3:19 (NLT): “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
John 14:6 (NLT): “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
R.T. Kendall: “Saving faith is not believing in God — it is believing God.”
You may believe in Jesus, but have you believed Him? Have you surrendered your soul to His Lordship?
You can admire a lifeboat from the deck of a sinking ship — but unless you climb in, you will perish. Christ is the lifeboat. He is the only way to be saved.
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, hear the question of Jesus again:
“What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”
Don’t gamble your soul on temporary things. Today is the day of salvation.
Pray with me:
“Lord Jesus, I turn from my sin. I believe You died for me and rose again. Save my soul. I surrender to You as my Lord and Saviour. Amen.”
Call to Action: Go! And Gain What Truly Matters
Go and value your soul.
Go and live for Christ.
Go and pursue eternal treasures.
Go and warn others about the cost of worldliness.
Go and glorify Jesus with every breath.
Benediction:
May the Lord bless you with clarity of purpose, steadfast faith, and eternal hope.
May your soul be anchored in Christ, and your life echo His glory.
Go — and gain what the world cannot give, and what eternity cannot take away.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
