B. Disciples of the Cross (8:34-9:1)

If the way of the Christ is the way of suffering, so is the way of discipleship. Both disciples and crowds receive the same call to reorient themselves around the Gospel, even at the cost of their lives. Mk 9:1, a needed reassurance, is fulfilled in the Transfiguration (9:2-13), which itself anticipates the resurrection of Jesus.