Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God often flips what we thought we knew. The world tells us to live in a certain way to find satisfaction and meaning, usually telling us to follow our hearts and work hard at what we desire to achieve it. But, Jesus suggests something entirely opposite; he says, “Give up your life and your dreams and your expectations to follow Me, wholeheartedly.”

Jim Elliott, a missionary to Ecuador, famously reflected on this idea, saying, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Indeed, we might look foolish to those around us to surrender so completely to the Lord, to live in such total obedience to Him, but this is true wisdom in light of eternity. As Paul writes, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3.8). May we be able to say the same!

[Luke 9.21-27]

21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Jesus command his followers to keep a secret and why do you think he asks this of them? What does this demonstrate about Jesus’ knowledge and power? What does this demonstrate to his disciples about what the Messiah came to do? [vv. 21-22]

+ Jesus then clarifies what it means to be his follower. If you would follow Jesus, what must you do? [vv. 23-25]

+ What do you think denying yourself and taking up your cross and following Jesus looks like? What is the great paradox of living in this way? [vv. 24-25]

+ What warning does Jesus give to those who are ashamed of him? [v. 26]

+ In verse 27, based on the same account in Matthew’s gospel, scholars suggest that Jesus means that some of those around him would see Him in His glory as He would be when He returns on Judgment Day during the Transfiguration. Which disciples would witness Jesus’ glory at the Transfiguration? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s reading to find out!

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Have I been ashamed of Jesus, wanted to downplay His importance in my life, or not want to be associated with Him? Do I need to repent of valuing other things above Christ?

+ How can you practice denying yourself, picking up your cross, and following Jesus?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Is there someone I need to boldly share with that following Jesus is the only way to save your life and all other ways lead to losing it?