Take up your cross

I think I told you that I have been reading the four gospels in a month since January with a podcast. And what is fascinating is the rhythm of each gospel. In Matthew, Jesus hints that he will be killed, but the turn comes in Matthew 16. There is a pivot. And whether or not the disciples get it (hint: they don’t), the cross is looming.

We covered in a post recently verses 13-20, now in verse 21, Jesus set his face towards the cross and began preparing the disciples. Who could prepare for something they really didn’t understand?

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity]. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory and majesty of His Father with His angels, and then He will repay each one in accordance with what he has done. “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.16.24-28.AMP

As I read this over and over, an understanding of the cross in this time, helps. This death on a cross was for the evil of society. We look at this verse and know that the cross was where Jesus died. But the disciples, on this side of the cross, just knew it was for the worst. I wonder what kind of mental gymnastics these men worked through as Jesus said this to them.

Following Jesus means denying oneself. Jesus cares about our thoughts that no one else can hear. He does. Given the last couple of days in my head, so much time was spent on things that are not eternal minded. Denying myself today, means these type of thoughts do not further the kingdom of God in my life. Denying oneself means picking apart my budget and cutting needless expenses. Denying oneself means social media is not my friend and the endless comparison games are exhausting. Denying oneself means quieting my heart and asking what do you want, Jesus and trusting his will for my life is exactly where I want to be.

The cross was never meant to be pretty. The cross means a life antithetical to the culture at large. Following Jesus means dealing with my stuff and laying it down. Remembering that my stuff is carried by the cross and redeemed. I cannot lay down anything without the help of Jesus. I cannot make anyone else do anything.

This is kinda freeing. I spend a lot of time thinking about others and what is happening in their lives. That’s not my job. My job is lifting people up to the Lord and knowing His will is being worked out here too. Rather than worrying, praying.

I don’t want the whole world. I just want Jesus. May you be honored and glorified in my life today.