For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:24 NABRE
Jesus speaking to his disciples is curious as to who they think he is. When they say the Messiah he tells them not to tell anyone. Jesus goes on to predict what will happen to Him saying the Son of Man (a name Jesus uses for Himself more often than any other which generally means the human one, a son of Adam) must suffer, be rejected, killed and on the third day be raised. It is unlikely they understood His meaning until after the resurrection. Jesus turns the conversation to them; if they wish to be a follower they will have to deny themselves and take up their own cross. Jesus’ followers are called to put their own desires aside and seek the needs of others, the community. So He tells them those who wish to avoid their cross, that is to save their life, they will lose their life. If we chose to live thinking mostly of ourselves we will live lonely and self-centered lives, with no reward from God. Those who put their own desires aside and live their life for the Kingdom of God will have an overabundance of reward, now and eternally. Life as we know it does not end with death, we can build up treasure that last when we follow the will of God, but when we build up earthly treasure it is not available eternally. It is best to live our lives for the sake of Jesus and His Kingdom providing us the greatest opportunity to live rich forever.
Jesus stands before His friends and says I am giving my life for you, I ask you to do the same, and together we will live the best life we are able. He is a leader to follow eternally, suffer and save yourself as He instructs.
Does Jesus’ teaching about the cross seem too difficult? Will you serve others rather than yourself?
Jesus stands before His friends and says I am giving my life for you, I ask you to do the same, and together we will live the best life we are able. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #cross #saved #Luke #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion