If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whosoever loses his life for me will find it.
I’ve got one. So do you. According to Jesus, everyone does.
Identifying our cross and bearing it? Now that’s another question altogether!
What is our cross? We begin by asking about Jesus’ cross.
His cross was a literal one. Rough timbers of wood and nails of iron! Simply stated His cross is what stood between Him and fulfilling His destiny. He had to carry it and suffer on it to do God’s Will.
Our cross is also very real. It is whatever stands between us and fulfilling our destiny. What we have to bear, give up, sacrifice in order to do God’s Will in our lives.
Our destiny is to become like our Teacher. Our cross is whatever stands in our way.
Jesus cross cost His life. So does ours. When we deny ourselves whatever worldly pleasure or gain that stands in our way, it costs us.
But the Teacher says this is the way to truly find our life. That’s what He knows…from experience!
Peter answers correctly - then stuffs his foot in his mouth. He has his own ideas about what Jesus being the Christ means. So when Jesus explains what must happen - Peter is dismayed - "Never!"
ReplyDeleteHow many times do we have our own ideas, and then may be surprised by the instructions of Jesus?
Good thoughts on "our cross" that will take some contemplation. Thanks, Denny.