The Texas millionaire stipulated in his will that he be buried in his favorite possession: his $90,000 Rolls-Royce.  When the time came, two laborers were shoveling the last bit of dirt onto the now-buried luxury car.  One finally turned to the other and said, “Boy!  That’s living!” Not really.  Not according to Jesus.  Death comes to everyone, from the richest to the poorest, and the finest car in the world won’t make a difference on the other side of eternity.  “For what shall it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36 RSV)

I.  NOW, THAT WAY OF PUTTING THE QUESTION IS UNFAMILIAR TO US.  Most of us remember it from the King James Version: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV)

The Greek w…