Follow Me!
Cost of Following Jesus
In Matthew 16:24-28, Jesus takes a moment to further elaborate on the profound and true cost of genuine discipleship, stating that anyone who truly wishes to follow Him must first deny themselves, take up their cross, and without looking back follow Him. This powerful call to discipleship emphasizes not only the necessity of self-denial but also the crucial willingness to endure hardship for the sake of faithfully following Christ. Jesus highlights the striking paradox of gaining the whole world only to lose one’s very soul, illustrating that earthly success is ultimately fleeting, underwhelming, and temporary compared to the eternal significance of remaining faithful to God and His word. The invitation to discipleship is not merely a generous offer of personal fulfillment, but rather a serious call to embrace sacrifice and commitment, even when such a path contrasts sharply with prevailing societal values and personal ambitions. Ultimately, Jesus offers reassurance that those who are willing to lose their lives for His sake will discover the true essence of life, affirming that the rewards of following Him far outweigh the difficulties and challenges faced along the journey of faith.
(ai summarized)
“ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”