Luke 9:23 – 27 Discipleship

Luke 9:23 – 27 Discipleship

Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God."

Wow! This short passage is jam packed. Each sentence, each phrase seems like its own commandment. If we want to be Jesus’ followers we must deny our very selves, take up our crosses and follow in Jesus footsteps. Self denial and crosses. That must have been greeted with concern by those who heard it. They already led hard, meager existences – and here Jesus is asking for even more. From there Jesus goes on to say whoever would save his life will lose it and whoever loses their life for Jesus sake will save it. More encouraging words. What is Jesus trying to do? Drive away his followers? End his mission before it begins? I think he is giving his followers insight into his own existence – this is what he is facing, what he is thinking, what he is preparing to do. How will he bear this? Only by his faith in his Father, his love for his Father, and for his love for humanity. Likewise any challenges and difficulties his followers must face will be made bearable by their faith in the Father and in him. What we are asked to do – bear witness, follow the commandments, love, share, forgive, heal, choose life, are in many ways counter-cultural in our society. They bring us to the unwelcome notice of many who feel we are foolish at best and dangerous at worst. Our challenge is to not be ashamed of Jesus’ teachings and follow Jesus - then Jesus promises we will have a share in his reward – everlasting life in the presence of the Father.