Jesus' warning in this passage encourages us to realize how important it is for us to make sure we have the right relationship with him. Being a follower of Jesus requires an act of the will. It is not dependent on birth or position. One must will to follow. For the crowd, this means repentance and faith. For the believing community it involves reaffirming your commitment.1
35 Car celui qui voudra sauver sa vie la perdra, mais celui qui perdra sa vie à cause de moi et de la bonne nouvelle la sauvera.