The Way Of Discipleship: Embracing The Cross Luke 9:23-24 Series

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.