Final answer:
According to Mark 8:34, being a disciple of Jesus is costly, requiring sacrifice and commitment. The decision to follow Jesus means a readiness to face hardships and often means giving up personal interests or past lifestyles for a greater cause, as exemplified by Levi and the original disciples.
Step-by-step explanation:
A careful reading of Mark 8:34 suggests that being a disciple of Jesus is not presented as an easy path but rather a costly one. This scripture emphasizes the sacrifice and commitment required to follow Jesus, including a willingness to bear one's own cross, which is a powerful metaphor for enduring hardship or giving up one's own interests for a greater cause. The comparison of a camel passing through the eye of a needle to a rich man entering the kingdom of God in Matthew 19:24 similarly illustrates the challenges that may be faced in pursuit of spiritual conviction, particularly when it comes to wealth and material possessions.
Additionally, the story of Jesus calling Levi to be his disciple shows that following Jesus can mean leaving behind one's previous lifestyle, as Levi did when he left his tax booth to join Jesus. The story of Jesus instructing Peter to find the temple tax in a fish's mouth underscores that being a disciple may involve miraculous or faith-driven solutions to practical problems. Ultimately, the disciples committed to spreading Jesus' teachings despite the risks, and many faced persecution as they did so.