The Road Before the Triumph

The earliest Christians knew suffering well. Mark’s Gospel was written for a community facing persecution, wondering whether following Jesus was still worth it. Mark answers with clarity: Jesus walks ahead of us, and His road includes both cross and resurrection. Triumph is certain—but suffering precedes it. His invitation isn’t that we be comfortable but have companionship; not ease but presence. For every disciple then and now, the call is the same: walk the road He walked. He has already faced the darkness—and overcome it. We follow a triumphant yet suffering King.