Take Up Your Cross!
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The antithesis of a disciple is the portrait of a self-made man in “I did it my way.”
For what is a man, what has he got, If not himself, then he has naught, To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels, The record shows I took the blows, And did it my way
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The Call of the Disciple
The Call of the Disciple
Peter’s confession: Jesus is the Christ, Messiah: Prophet, Priest and King
Peter’s confusion: the Messiah (and his followers) don’t suffer.
The Call of the Disciple
The Call of the Disciple
The call stands in sharp contrasts to those who would follow Christ for popularity or prosperity.
Self-denial is laying aside pride and selfish ambition.
mark 8:
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
John Calvin:
Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke Matthew 16:20–28; Mark 8:30–38, 9:1; Luke 9:21–27
none can be reckoned to be the disciples of Christ unless they are true imitators of him, and are willing to pursue the same course.
And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”
Self-denial means placing no confidence in human effort or work.
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
We must be careful that the temporary attractions of this world do not wrap their tentacles around our hearts and steal our affections for the Savior.
The Cross of the Disciple
The Cross of the Disciple
The Cross was a form of shameful execution for the most despised criminals.
The disciples would have been shocked to by told they must bear a cross.
It is not merely some inconvenience or common suffering, but a suffering for Christ.
Polycarp: “Eighty-six years I have serve him, he has never done me injury. How then can I now blaspheme my King and Savior?”
The cross is a call to endure suffering, shame, and death (if necessary) for Christ’s sake.
For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
The cross is a call to endure shame for Christ sake
Thank the Lord for his restoration: Peter is an example.
We are to face the world’s scorn and our suffering as Christ did:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
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The Consolation of the Disciple
The Consolation of the Disciple
The Lord’s Return - “when he comes” it is a sure thing!
The glory of knowing Christ far surpasses these momentary trials.
Rom. 8:
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
The joy of fellowship in the present.
Romans 8:16-
“Take up thy cross and follow me,” I heard my Master say; “I gave me life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.”
CHORUS:
Wherever He leads I’ll go,
Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so,
Wherever He leads I’ll go.
He drew me closer to His side,
I sought His will to know,
And in that will I now abide,
Wherever He leads I’ll go.
It may be through the shadows dim,
Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him,
Wherever He leadeth me.