Wednesday 16 March, 2016

23 Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. 25 What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? 26 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

This passage comes after Jesus did the famous miracle of 5 loaves and 2 fish. The crowd had been following Jesus. But, Jesus said to them “you are looking for me not because you saw signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill”.

Jesus points out the true follower or disciple needs to do 3 things:

1. Deny themselves
2. Take up their cross daily
3. Follow Jesus

It’s a different teaching from the world. The world always tells us to be “self-indulgent” and take easy way to success.

But Jesus knew, without the first two steps – denying myself and taking up my cross daily, I can’t be the true follower.

How do I deny myself? What is my cross?

What is my intention for believing in Jesus? For my own prosperity/benefit or just because He is the true God.

Written by Allen Leu