Follow Jesus

Luke 9:23-24, “And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it.” 

Discipleship is not an extracurricular activity. Following Christ is a death march that ends in life. Read that again, if necessary. Jesus shatters ceremonial and sentimental religion with the call to self-denial and daily cross-bearing. To first-century ears, the cross was not jewelry but an instrument of execution. Our Savior summons us to die to sinful desires, worldly prestige, and personal agendas, and to live under His lordship. This may sound radical but is instead the normal Christian life according to gospel logic. Christ bore a literal cross for our redemption. We bear metaphorical crosses as evidence that we belong to Him. We emphasize regenerate church membership for this reason. Conversion shows itself in a surrendered life. A profession of faith without a pattern of costly obedience is a hollow echo. 

Paradoxically, losing life to Jesus safeguards it eternally. The grasping soul ends life empty-handed, but the surrendered soul abundantly receives, peace, purpose, as well as the sure hope of resurrection. What must you relinquish, an unforgiven offense, secret sin, cherished comfort? Lay it at the foot of Calvary. Shoulder your cross, not with grim duty but with resurrection confidence. Following Jesus will strip away illusions of control, but grants the incomparable treasure of His presence now and forever.