Scripture Reading: Luke 9:23-27 (ESV)

“And he said to all, ‘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. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.'”

Introduction

Today, we gather to explore one of the most challenging and profound teachings of Jesus, found in Luke 9:23-27. These verses call us to a life of true, and very costly, discipleship, a life marked by self-denial, daily cross-bearing, and unwavering commitment to following Jesus. As we delve into this passage, let us open our hearts and minds to understand what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. This passage is full on. The big question is do we deny Jesus or ourselves.

Deny Yourself

Jesus begins with a straightforward yet radical call: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself.” Denying oneself goes against the grain of our natural, sinful, inclinations. We live in a world that glorifies self fulfillment, improvement and promotion. However, Jesus invites us to set aside our selfish ambitions and desires, to place His will above our own. This is huge.

This self-denial is not about self-hatred or asceticism but about reorienting our priorities. It’s about surrendering our lives to Jesus, trusting that His plans and purposes are far greater than our own – this is SO hard to do. It means letting go of our ego, pride, and comfort zones to embrace the life He offers.

Take Up Your Cross Daily

Jesus then calls us to take up our cross daily. In the first century, the cross was a symbol of suffering, shame, and execution. For Jesus’ audience, this statement would have been shocking and sobering. Taking up our cross daily means being willing to endure hardship, persecution, and even death for the sake of Christ.

It’s a call to a life of sacrifice and service. It’s about dying to our old selves and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into the likeness of Christ. It’s a daily commitment, not a one-time decision. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to follow Jesus more faithfully.

Follow Me

The final part of Jesus’ call is to follow Him. This means more than just admiring His teachings or acknowledging His existence. It means walking in His footsteps, emulating His character, and obeying His commands. Following Jesus is an active, ongoing pursuit.

It involves studying His Word, spending time in prayer, and cultivating a deep relationship with Him. It means loving others as He loved us, showing compassion, forgiveness, and grace. It requires us to be His hands and feet in a broken world, bringing hope and healing to those around us.

The Paradox of Life and Death

In verses 24-25, Jesus presents a paradox: “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?” This teaching confronts our natural instincts to preserve and protect our lives at all costs.

Jesus is not advocating for reckless abandon but for a life that is fully surrendered to Him. True life, He tells us, is found in losing our lives for His sake. It’s about letting go of our earthly securities and entrusting ourselves to His care. It’s about prioritising eternal values over temporal gains.

Unashamed Witness

Jesus also warns about being ashamed of Him and His words. In a world that often ridicules and rejects the message of Christ, it’s tempting to shy away from boldly proclaiming our faith. However, Jesus reminds us that our allegiance to Him should be unwavering.

Being unashamed of Jesus means standing firm in our convictions, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient. It means sharing the gospel with courage and compassion, knowing that our ultimate reward is not in this world but in the glory of His presence.

The Promise of Glory

Finally, Jesus offers a glimpse of the reward for those who faithfully follow Him. He speaks of His return in glory, accompanied by the Father and the holy angels. This promise reminds us that our sacrifices and sufferings are not in vain. There is a glorious future awaiting us, a future where we will be in the presence of our Savior, basking in His glory and grace.

Conclusion

As we reflect on Luke 9:23-27, let us examine our own lives in light of Jesus’ call to discipleship. Are we willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him wholeheartedly? Are we living for His glory rather than our own? Let us be encouraged by the promise of His presence and the hope of eternal life. May we strive to be faithful disciples, unashamed witnesses, and carriers of His love and truth in a world that desperately needs Him.

Prayer

Triune God, we thank You for Your the profound and challenging words. Help us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow You faithfully. Strengthen us to live for Your glory, even in the face of trials and persecution. May we be bold and unashamed witnesses of Your love and truth. And may we find our ultimate joy and fulfillment in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.