Ash Wednesday 22.02.2023
Text: Mark 10:32-34
Steps to Elevation: Step: 1, Follow Christ
Introduction:
During this Lent season we would mediate under the theme steps to elevation. These are the Steps to victory, jubilation and joy. Today, we are meditating the first step to elevation, that is, follow Christ. The other steps, we will mediate on every Wednesday meetings and on Sunday services. The other steps to elevation are: be a good servant, be a steward, be a generous person, be a fine human being and be a soul winner.
Let me read Mark 10:32a.
“And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him.”
This is the third time in Mark (8:31-33, 9:30-32) Jesus told his disciples about his death. They couldn’t comprehend it, it’s amazing but that was the reality. This passage is also found in Matthew 20:17-19, and in Luke 18:31-34.
The Lord’s death was prophesied in detail seven centuries before the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), and 33 years ago by Angel Gabriel to Joseph and Mary (Matthew1:21, Luke 2) and even Jesus spoke about His own death in detail several times (John 12:27; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 12:50; 13:32-33, 34-35; 17:25).
Follow Christ
The foremost step to elevation is to Follow Christ. Follow the footsteps of him. The first thing the disciples observed after encountering with Jesus was that he walked into Jordan, then into wilderness for fasting and prayer. Discipleship means to follow him as a practice disciple, prepared disciple and pleasing disciple.
Let this season of Lent help you to realise the life, reach the exact point of life in your life journey. Don’t go fast. Don’t go slow. Just follow Jesus. Be steady and win the battle. Jesus gave a clarion call to his disciples to follow him, he talked about the cost of the discipleship. There is a value for everything.
On the road to Jerusalem
The sentence “On the road” or “way” (hodos) refers to a path both geographical (Mark 1:2) and theological (Mark 1:3). In Mark (3:22; 7:1; 10:33) Jerusalem is a source of hostility, a symbol of opposition for Jesus. Now Jesus moves toward Jerusalem. He’s moving toward the place where He knows He will suffer and die. We have a fear of certain places, persons and events. But Jesus would like to take us there and send us there to show the victory. Moses was afraid to go to Egypt but God sent him there. What bothers you? Whom you want to avoid? Jesus would like to lead you there for victory. Jesus leads you.
Jesus leads the way:
Mark Reveals that Jesus was walking ahead of them, disciples had followed him. Mark says that Jesus walked ahead, leading the way of the disciples. Following Christ is a willing walk. Jesus’s commitment to the cross seems to be illustrated in His knowing and willing walk toward Jerusalem. He leads, we follow. He is the master, we are the servant. We follow in His footsteps. Mark describes the response of those following Jesus as both amazed and afraid. It’s likely they are amazed by the courage of Jesus while at the same time being afraid of what He will face , and by extension what they may face as His followers. (Matthew Breeden, Southern Baptist Church).
We are called to respond
Respond through renouncing self, recognising the voice of God, rejoicing in trials, remained in him, rest in him and regard others very highly. The evil, carnal aspirations and desires torment our thoughts and lives. So, we need to Crucify those desires, self, and die to the carnality. The present age is evil (Galatians 1:4).Paul says “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20, 5:24, and 6:14).
Many have been lost and failed in their life journey because of their lack of understanding of God, his Word, and the world. Our forefathers lived a long life, blessed life, and a joyful life because they understood the reality of life. Friends, please keep in mind that the life on earth is short, so make it sweet. Why do you trouble yourself with tall claims and try to reach them which are unreachable heights? Renounce the self through fasting.
Renouncing leads to fasting.
Fasting is a powerful instrument for life change. Fasting is a hunger for God and his guidance. Fasting is powerful to drive you to another realm of life. Physical obedience brings spiritual uplifts. Fasting leads to self denial (1 Corinthians 9:27), as Paul puts, its subjecting the body to the spiritual demands. Humility leads to recognising the greatness of God (2 Chronicles 7:14). Fasting is an act of worship (Romans 12:1). Fasting is one of the spiritual disciplines. Fasting can bring you out of your addictions and the forces of evil. Daniel had decided to give up the pleasant food (Daniel 10:2-3, 10). It Leads to complete dependence upon God, man shall not live by bread alone (Matthew 4:4). It leads you to Right priorities in life. Fasting connects you to the Word of God, Connects you to prayer, Connects you to worship and to attain the favour of God.
Fasting leads to prayer
Those who are hungry for holiness, hungry for righteousness, they shall be fed (Matthew 5:6). Prayers help to know the plan of God (Genesis 15:15). Prayer helps to improve your spiritual health and fitness in spiritual journey. Daniel 10:12 says that Daniel has set is heart to understand the word and will of the father for his people, for his nation and for himself through fasting and prayer. “Push” is another word for prayer. “Pray until something happens” as you are looking for. Renouncing the self leads to fasting, fasting leads to prayer and in prayer you seek Christ.
Seek Jesus First
Prayer is nothing but Seeking Christ as first priority in life. Let that be your experience during the lent. Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Jesus is first in every activity of your life. Jesus is First in financial commitments, Jesus is first in interests, Jesus is first in relationships, Jesus is first in schedule of your daily life, and seek Jesus first during the times of trouble of life for his counsel and direction. (Jenetzen)
Conclusion:
Jesus calls us to follow him during this Lent. Seek him through fasting and prayer. Renounce self, crucify your carnality and follow him.
