The Way of Discipleship: Embracing the Cross Luke 9:23-24
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the heart of discipleship as we explore Luke 9:23-24. This passage challenges us to embrace the transformative power of truth in our lives.
Let's begin by reading the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23-24 (NLT): "Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.'"
Point 1: Deny Yourself
Our Lord Jesus starts with a radical call to discipleship: "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way" (Luke 9:23). This call challenges us to deny ourselves, to relinquish control over our lives and submit to the lordship of Christ.
To "deny oneself" means to renounce self-centered desires, ambitions, and priorities. This denial is not merely about giving up things but surrendering our very selves to Jesus. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer eloquently stated, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die."
Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT): Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
This passage encapsulates the essence of discipleship. Jesus lays out a clear challenge: to follow Him wholeheartedly, we must be willing to let go of our own desires, take up our cross, and walk in His footsteps. It's a call to radical commitment, acknowledging that true life is found in surrendering to Christ rather than clinging to our own ways.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT): My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
In this powerful declaration, the apostle Paul reveals the transformative impact of the gospel. Through faith in Christ, our old self is crucified, and we are made new. It's a profound realization that our lives are now centered on Christ, who dwells within us and empowers us to live for His glory.
Point 2: Take Up Your Cross Daily
Jesus continues, "take up your cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). The cross symbolises sacrifice and suffering, but also redemption and victory. Taking up our cross means embracing the challenges and trials of discipleship with faith and obedience.
To "take up your cross daily" speaks of a continual willingness to endure hardships and persecution for the sake of Christ. It involves perseverance in following Jesus, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
Mark 8:34 (NLT): Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
Similar to Matthew 16:24-25, this verse emphasises the sacrificial nature of discipleship. Jesus extends His invitation to all, urging us to count the cost of following Him. Taking up our cross symbolises a willingness to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord of our lives.
Philippians 3:10 (NLT): I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death.
Paul's desire expressed here is profound. He longs not just for knowledge about Christ, but for a deep, intimate relationship with Him. This includes sharing in Christ's sufferings, understanding that true fellowship with Jesus involves embracing both His death and His resurrection power.
Point 3: Lose Your Life to Save It
Jesus concludes with a profound paradox: "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it" (Luke 9:24). This truth challenges our natural instincts of self-preservation and invites us into a deeper, eternal reality.
Exegesis:
Losing our life for Jesus means surrendering our desires, ambitions, and comfort to His will. It involves trusting that His ways are higher and better than our own, even if it means sacrificing worldly success or comfort.
Matthew 10:39 (NLT): If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
Jesus presents a stark reality here: clinging to our own lives ultimately leads to loss, while surrendering our lives for His sake leads to true fulfillment. It's a call to let go of selfish ambitions and desires, trusting that in losing our lives for Christ, we discover the abundant life He promises.
Romans 12:1 (NLT): And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Paul's appeal in Romans 12:1 encapsulates the essence of discipleship as worship. Surrendering our bodies to God as living sacrifices is the natural response to His mercy and grace. It's a daily offering of ourselves to God, acknowledging His lordship over every aspect of our lives.
Application and Call to Action:
In summary, these passages collectively emphasize the radical nature of discipleship: surrendering our lives to Christ, taking up our cross, and following Him wholeheartedly. It's a journey marked by self-denial, sacrifice, and intimate fellowship with our Lord. May we heed the call of Christ and live as true disciples, glorifying Him in all we do.
Brothers and sisters, the way of discipleship demands total surrender to Jesus. It requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and lose our lives for His sake. As we embrace this radical call, we experience the transforming power of truth in our lives.
Let us examine our hearts today:
Are we truly denying ourselves and following Jesus wholeheartedly?
Are we willing to endure hardship and suffering for the sake of the Gospel?
Are we holding onto our lives or surrendering them completely to Jesus?
May we respond to Jesus' call with faith and obedience, knowing that true life and fulfilment are found in Him alone. Let us pray for grace and strength to walk the path of discipleship, embracing the cross daily, and following our Lord with unwavering devotion.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound truth of discipleship revealed in Luke 9:23-24. Grant us the grace to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Empower us by Your Spirit to surrender our lives completely to You. May Your truth transform us from within, shaping us into faithful disciples who glorify Your name. In Jesus' name, amen.
