Note: for the best experience please pick-up this book to follow along.
Welcome back to our 14-day journey through “Matthew’s Message: Unveiling the Truths of Jesus’ Ministry.” Today, we will delve into Matthew 16:24-28, where Jesus issues a profound and challenging call to discipleship. In this passage, Jesus outlines the cost and commitment required to follow Him, emphasizing the eternal rewards that come with true discipleship.
The Call to Discipleship:
Matthew 16:24 – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”
Jesus’ call to discipleship involves three key elements:
- Deny Yourself: Discipleship begins with self-denial. This means putting aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans to prioritize God’s will. It involves a shift in focus from self-centered living to Christ-centered living.
- Take Up Your Cross: Taking up our cross means embracing the sacrifices and challenges that come with following Jesus. In the first century, the cross was a symbol of suffering, shame, and death. Jesus calls us to be willing to endure hardships and persecution for His sake.
- Follow Me: Following Jesus means living in obedience to His teachings and example. It is a continuous, active commitment to walk in His footsteps, seeking to emulate His character and mission.
The Cost of Discipleship:
Matthew 16:25-26 – “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
Jesus highlights the paradox of discipleship: in losing our lives for His sake, we find true life. Clinging to our earthly lives and possessions leads to ultimate loss, while surrendering them for Jesus results in eternal gain. He emphasizes the incomparable value of our souls, warning against the temptation to prioritize worldly success over spiritual well-being.
The Promise of Discipleship:
Matthew 16:27-28 – “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Jesus assures His disciples that their sacrifices will be rewarded. He promises to return in glory and reward those who have faithfully followed Him. This promise of future glory and reward gives us hope and motivation to persevere in our discipleship journey.
Reflection and Application:
The call to discipleship is demanding but deeply rewarding. Reflect on your own commitment to following Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you need to practice greater self-denial or embrace the cross more fully? Consider the eternal perspective Jesus offers and how it can reshape your priorities and choices.
Practical Steps to Embrace Discipleship:
- Daily Surrender: Begin each day with a prayer of surrender, asking God to guide your thoughts, words, and actions.
- Study Jesus’ Teachings: Regularly read and meditate on the Gospels to understand Jesus’ teachings and example.
- Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve and love others, reflecting Jesus’ heart for humanity.
- Stay Connected: Engage in a community of believers who can support and encourage you in your discipleship journey.
- Persevere in Hardships: When faced with challenges or persecution, remember Jesus’ promise of eternal reward and stay steadfast in your faith.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. Help us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow You faithfully. Give us the strength and courage to embrace the cost of discipleship, knowing that true life is found in You. May we live each day with an eternal perspective, seeking to glorify You in all we do. Amen.
Tomorrow, we’ll explore the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This event offers a glimpse of Jesus’ majesty and the fulfillment of God’s plan. Join us as we continue to uncover the profound truths of Jesus’ ministry.
Feel free to share your thoughts, reflections, and questions in the comments below. Let’s continue this journey together, seeking to grow in our faith and understanding of our Savior.
Stay blessed, Dustin Royer