Today’s Reading: Luke 9:18-27
Optional readings: Matthew Ch 16, Mark 8:11-9:1
Pharisees, Cost of Discipleship
Don’t let the title scare you; you won’t have to die for your faith. Probably.
Peter had just made a clear profession that Jesus was the Messiah, the Savior that the prophets spoke of and the people waited for. In a quick pivot, it’s almost as though Jesus says, “You’re right. Now here are the implications…”
“The implications for me: I have to suffer, die, and be raised back to life.”
“The implications for you: Deny yourself and be willing to do the same as me.”
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
We can see that Jesus meant a literal cross of execution for himself (though they probably didn’t understand that yet), but he meant a metaphorical cross for his disciples across the ages. The cross here is the representation of total sacrifice, complete surrender. (Though for 11 of the 12 apostles, it would mean a martyr’s death.)
Jesus is asking them and us for our life. That means being willing to give God anything He asks. At minimum, this is a willingness to offer myself as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1), using my time and efforts on this earth to bring Him glory. At most, it might require that I die for the sake of Christ.
Why would anyone sign up for this? See the implications for Him again.
When we truly grasp the good news,
when we recognize that we would be hopelessly, eternally lost but for the sacrifice of Jesus,
When I understand that He volunteered to take my place & my punishment,
when that truth penetrates our hearts–
… we cannot help but give Him everything in GRATITUDE for what He did.
God may require very little of me, or He may require my profession of faith as a martyr. Either way, my heart must be surrendered to say “yes, Lord.”
“Remain in your career but be a witness for Me” “Yes, Lord.”
“Tell your old drinking buddies about Me” “Yes, Lord.”
“Spend your mornings seeking My face” “Yes, Lord.”
“Give up those addictions that keep you from Me” “Yes, Lord.”
“Become a missionary in China.” “Yes, Lord.”
“When they ask you to recant or die, profess My salvation” “Yes, Lord.”
The words of this beautiful old hymn will pray us out today…
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
Amen.