34 Jesus called the crowd and his disciples over to him, and told them, "If you want to follow me, you must give up on yourselves, pick up your cross and follow me. 35 If you want to save your life you will lose it, but if you lose your life because of me and the good news you will save it.

36 What use is it for you to gain everything in the whole world, and lose your life? 37 What would you give in exchange for your life? 38 If you're ashamed to acknowledge* me and what I say among this unfaithful and sinful people,* then the Son of man will be ashamed to acknowledge you when he comes with his Father's glory with the holy angels."