This chapter has many records of Jesus’ ministry including conversations with His disciples, healing / casting out demons, the “transfiguration”, two predictions of His death, and dispatching the disciples for ministry work.
“And [Jesus] said… ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels… whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.’ ” (v23-26, 48 abr)
Be humble, be obedient, be self-sacrificing, be consistent. These are some of the behaviors that help strengthen Christ followers. Jesus calls us to lay down our foolish pride, our selfish agendas, and our god complexes, in order to take up His mantle / cross. When we spend time with God daily, it’s easier to be in alignment with Him.
When we love God, and consistently show that love through prayer, Bible reading, service, and other Christlike behaviors, our hearts draw near to God. When we ‘take up Jesus’ cross’ (put our old, sinful selves to death and obey / serve the Father’s will) we bring glory to God and exhibit Jesus’ sacrificial love to our neighbors.
‘Taking up Jesus’ cross’ includes sacrificing that which the world values, however, we gain things of eternal value which will outlast the temporal pleasures of this world. I know I’m not the greatest at planning for the future, especially not into eternity, but God has the hard stuff under control – all we need to do is obey Him in this present moment, and then the one after that, daily – He’ll take care of everything else.
Father God, our Magnificent Lord and Eternal King, we humbly ask for Your help. Father please mold and shape us into consistent Christ followers who spend daily time with You. May we fully submit ourselves to Your teaching and will, taking up Jesus’ cross and laying down our worldly pursuits. Please fill us with Your love, so we may be salt / light / love to this broken world, bringing honor and glory to You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training