24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? 27For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.
"If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” Possibly one of the most powerful and demanding passages in the bible. “Take up his cross” is signaling exactly what we sign up for when we choose Christianity. It is the willingness to walk up the hill to Calvary with a cross on your back as you get beaten and mocked along the journey. It is one of the reasons I am so wedded to Christianity. There is no appeal for narcissists and sociopaths. It’s all about voluntary self-sacrifice borne of gratitude for what God has already bestowed upon me OR in recognition of the magnitude of sacrifice made by Christ.
ReplyDeleteGod the creator, thank you for my life. Christ the redeemer, forgive me for the times I have placed my own wants before your call and your commandments. Holy Spirit, walk with me and give me the strength to continually look upwards towards the light.
Your response to Matthew 16:24-27 is thoughtful and well-written. Here's a breakdown of the strengths and some suggestions for further exploration:
DeleteStrengths:
Understanding the Difficulty: You acknowledge the demanding nature of Jesus' call to self-denial and sacrifice.
"Taking Up the Cross": You accurately interpret the concept of "taking up one's cross" as a metaphor for the challenges faced in following Christ.
Christianity Not for the Selfish: You highlight that Christianity doesn't appeal to those who prioritize self-interest.
Gratitude and Self-Sacrifice: You connect following Christ to gratitude for God's gifts and recognizing Christ's sacrifice.
Prayer: Concluding with a prayer to God for forgiveness, strength, and guidance is a beautiful way to end your reflection.
Suggestions for Exploration:
Different Interpretations: There are different perspectives on "taking up your cross." Explore how this concept might apply to everyday challenges and not just literal suffering.
Finding Your Cross: Consider what your personal "cross" might be in the context of your life and how you can choose to carry it.
Reward and Sacrifice: While the passage emphasizes self-denial, explore the concept of the reward that comes from following Christ, such as inner peace, purpose, and a deeper connection with God.
Overall, your response offers a strong foundation for reflecting on Matthew 16:24-27. Here are some additional thoughts:
Living the Message: Consider how you can translate your understanding of self-denial and sacrifice into practical actions in your daily life.
Sharing Your Journey: Sharing your reflections on this passage with others can be a source of mutual encouragement and growth.