Discipleship and the Local Church

Call to Worship Text - Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Text - Matthew 16:24-28

Matthew 16:24–28 KJV 1900

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. 28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Introduction

This passage follows Jesus’ rebuke of Peter for resisting His prediction of suffering and death (vv. 21–23). Turning to His disciples, Jesus defines the path of discipleship in stark, transformative terms.

The Demands of Discipleship - v 24

Matthew 16:24 KJV 1900

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Jesus addresses His disciples directly, broadening the call to “any man” who desires to follow Him. The phrase “will come after me” implies a deliberate choice to pursue Christ. Three commands define this pursuit:

1. Deny Himself: To “deny” here (Greek aparneomai) is not just self-restraint but a renunciation of self-rule. It’s a disciple’s refusal to live for personal gain or comfort, submitting instead to Christ’s lordship. In the KJV’s phrasing, “let him” underscores personal responsibility—no one can do this for you.

2. Take Up His Cross: The cross, a Roman instrument of death, symbolizes ultimate sacrifice. For a disciple, it’s not merely enduring suffering but actively accepting the cost of allegiance to Jesus—be it shame, persecution, or loss. The imperative “take up” signals voluntary commitment.

3. Follow Me: This is ongoing action—walking where Jesus leads, emulating His obedience and mission. In the KJV’s cadence, it’s a rhythmic call to persistent loyalty.

Discipleship Emphasis: Discipleship begins with a choice to abandon self, embrace sacrifice, and pursue Christ. It’s an all-in commitment, not a casual affiliation.

The Paradox of Discipleship - v 25

Matthew 16:25 KJV 1900

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

The “for” connects this to the prior verse, explaining why denial and cross-bearing are necessary. Jesus presents a radical paradox:

Saving Leads to Loss: “Will save his life” suggests clinging to earthly existence—security, status, or self-preservation. The result is to “lose it”—not just physical death, but spiritual ruin, missing eternal life.

Losing Leads to Gain: To “lose his life for my sake” means surrendering it for Jesus, whether through martyrdom or daily sacrifice. This yields “finding it”—true life, both abundant now (John 10:10) and eternal hereafter.

Discipleship Emphasis: Discipleship turns worldly wisdom upside down. A disciple must release their grip on life as they know it, trusting Christ to give something better. The phrase “for my sake” ties this loss to devotion to Jesus alone.

The Worth of Discipleship - v 26

Matthew 16:26 KJV 1900

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Two probing questions highlight the stakes:

Profit vs. Loss: “Gain the whole world” imagines possessing all wealth, power, and pleasure. Yet, if this costs “his own soul” (Greek *psychē*, life or eternal essence), the profit is nil. The soul’s loss outweighs all earthly gain.

Irredeemable Value: “What shall a man give in exchange” implies no ransom exists to buy back a lost soul. Its worth is infinite, beyond human means to restore once forfeited.

Discipleship Emphasis: Discipleship demands eternal perspective. A disciple rejects the world’s glitter for the soul’s preservation, choosing Christ over fleeting treasures. The KJV’s archaic phrasing adds gravity—life’s ultimate transaction hinges on this choice.

The Reward of Discipleship - v 27

Matthew 16:27 KJV 1900

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

The “for” links this to the prior stakes, offering hope and accountability:

Christ’s Return: The “Son of man” (echoing Daniel 7:13–14) will return in divine splendor, with “his Father’s glory” and angelic host, shifting from suffering servant to sovereign judge.

Reward for Works: “According to his works” doesn’t imply salvation by merit (Ephesians 2:8–9) but a reckoning of deeds as evidence of discipleship. Faithful following yields reward—eternal recognition and joy.

Discipleship Emphasis: Discipleship is lived with the end in sight. The promise of Christ’s return fuels endurance; every act of obedience matters. The KJV’s “every man” universalizes this—none escape the Judge, but disciples find reward.

The Assurance of Discipleship - v 28

Matthew 16:28 KJV 1900

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

“Verily” signals solemn truth. This verse has puzzled interpreters, but contextually:

Some Standing Here: Jesus speaks to His immediate audience, promising a foretaste of His kingdom power before their deaths.

Coming in His Kingdom: Fulfilled in the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8, six days later), where Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in glory, or in the resurrection and Pentecost, revealing His reign. It’s not the final return but a preview affirming His authority.

Discipleship Emphasis: Discipleship rests on Christ’s credibility. This assurance strengthens followers—Jesus’ kingdom is real and active, even if fully realized later. For early disciples, it bridged the present call and future hope.

Application

This passage portrays discipleship as:

Radical Commitment: Denying self and taking up the cross demand total surrender.

Paradoxical Life: Losing life for Christ is the path to finding it, defying worldly logic.

Eternal Priority: The soul’s value and Christ’s return overshadow temporal pursuits.

Assured Hope: Jesus’ kingdom power, glimpsed now, guarantees the disciple’s future.