Mark 8:34

he had called Even in these lonely regions considerable numbers would seem to have followed Him, apparently at some little distance. These He now called to Him, and addressed to them, as well as to His Apostles, some of His deepest teaching, making them sharers in this part of His instruction.

will i. e. whosoever is resolved. "Will" here is not the will simply of the future tense, but the will of real desireand resolution. Comp. John 7:17, if any man will do His will(i. e. is resolved at all costs to do it), he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.

take up his cross The first intimation of His own suffering upon the cross.