After Me

“Discipleship is not an option. Jesus says that if anyone would come after me, he must follow me” (Tim Keller).

The identity and authority of Jesus are fundamental in Luke. That is seen throughout this gospel, but especially in 9:18-27. There are three parts to this section. First, you have Jesus questioning who they say He is and Peter’s reply (18-20). Second, Jesus predicts his death (21-22). Third, Jesus explains the implications of all this to the disciples (23-27).

I want us to focus on two verses (Luke 9:23-24) in that third section of the implications for the disciples. A disciple must: Deny Self, Take up their Cross Daily, and Follow Jesus. Note some lessons on Discipleship Jesus teaches. Discipleship is:

Conditional. “If anyone.” Jesus is talking to His disciples, but His invitation is open to all, including you!

Individual. “Anyone.” Emphasize “one.” Your parents’ or spouse’s faith won’t substitute. 

Focused. “Come after me.” This focuses on Jesus: what He wants and where He goes.

Refusing. “Deny self.” This is refusing to give in to what I want or desire. That no longer matters as much as what He wants.

Dying. “Take up his cross.” A cross was an instrument of death. I am to die to self, to live for Him.

Constant. “Daily.” One cannot rest on their laurels. Every day, I must make this decision.

Sacrificing. “Loses his life.” The life I now live is for Him.

Saving. “Will save it.” The only way to be saved is to give my life away.

This is the contrast. We must give up what the world provides to gain what God provides. We must give up glory and reputation in the eyes of the world to receive glory and character from God. We must not be ashamed of Jesus now in order to ensure Jesus will be ashamed of us on that day. What is gained by following Christ is far more than what is lost. So, follow Him. Exclusively. Whole-heartedly. Today! I love you, and God does too!

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. “Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase” (Martin Luther King, Jr).