No Cross - No Crown

Luke 9:18-27 *

            Jesus must have been praying for strength to face what lay just ahead.  His disciples joined Him and He asked them a very important question, “Who do the people say that I am?”  Some believed Him John the Baptist; others thought He might be Elijah or another prophet.  Jesus then asked the disciples to tell Him what they believed.  Peter declared Him to be the Messiah and Son of God!

            After Peter’s declaration, Jesus said something that must have really confused them.  He said that the Son of God would be slain for the things He said and believed.  He further stated that any wishing to follow Him should expect nothing more than a cross to carry and to die upon! 

            Were I to describe the Church it would be in terms of forgiven sinners bearing crosses.  I see a long line of cross bearing believers following Jesus and His cross.  No matter what our chosen profession, if we are believers then our first responsibility is to the cross.  Furthermore, we are never to lay it down nor toss it aside.

            A true disciple not only learns the doctrine of his master, he adopts the master’s mode and style of living.  The cross we bear marks us so that everyone will know to Whom we belong.  Let’s face it, cross bearing requires us to deny our own desires and take upon ourselves the mission of redemption with all its costs and responsibilities.  It is no wonder that so few are really committed to Jesus.

 I.                    What Is My Unique Cross?

A.    It may be reproach and unkindness

1.      For the cause of Christ

2.      Contravening and contradicting popular opinion

B.     It may involve persecution and death

C.    It certainly means consecrating all to Jesus

1.      The greatest blessing is His trust

2.      When we can give all then can we be true cross bearers

II.                 What Will I Do With My Cross?

A.    Deliberately take it up

1.      Not to choose another

2.      Not to bear it in fear and defiance

3.      Not to despise it, murmur at it, or cast it aside

B.     I must patiently endure it for as long as He requires

III.               There Is Great Encouragement

A.    Necessity:  I cannot be a disciple without a cross

B.     Company:  Better than I have and are now bearing the cross

C.    Love:  Jesus bore one for me – and far heavier

D.    Faith:  Grace is promised sufficient to bear any load

Crown:  No cross means no crown of rejoicing!