Recently, someone asked me how I came to be a pastor. It’s a bit of a long story, because it slowly developed. Step by step, God lead me. Originally, my dream job was to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers – shortstop, starting pitcher, back up outfielder, whatever. When that wasn’t going to happen, my next dream was to be a sports journalist. So I began college with that pursuit; but God had other plans. Slowly, He shut the door to an athletic or journalism career and opened the door to His calling on me as a pastor.
I look back and I can see now how the various twists, turns, and heartaches lead me to where I am now. But I don’t wish otherwise. There’s a joy in serving Jesus, in turning everything over to Him that I wouldn’t trade for a dream job (or an MLB salary).
As we looked at in part 1, there’s a timing to what Jesus says in Matthew 16:23-28. He has intentionally prepared and lead His disciples to this point. They know He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16); they have no where to go for words of eternal life (John 6:68). The disciples are already committed to Jesus, and yet He is going to call them to more. To follow Jesus is both loss and gain!
What You Must Lose To Follow Jesus (v. 23-25)
Jesus rebukes Peter because “… you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” (Matthew 16:23). I like my own interests; quite naturally, it appeals greatly to me. But that must go. To follow Jesus, you must be more interested in God’s will and plan than in your own.
One of the hardest things I have had to do is let go of my dreams. Things that I wanted passionately, whether it was a a child, or even as an adult. Even as a pastor, I’ve often had dreams of how a church should flourish. Ultimately, these have to be sacrificed. God’s interests always take priority.
This connects to the next part of what Jesus says: the daily requirement to deny yourself, pick up your own cross, and follow Him. It’s not a one time act, like the equal of finishing high school and never having to return to class. Each and every day, a follower of Jesus puts their own interests to death so that they can follow Christ. Crucifixion was a torturous and humiliating way to die; it wasn’t peaceful or soothing at all. Pain will be involved in taking up your cross; it will be heavy and require effort. But it’s worth it to follow Jesus.
Many people use the phrase ‘the cross I must bear’ to refer to some set of difficult circumstances. But I don’t think that’s what Jesus intends here. Rather, the cross is that of our own selfish desires and wants. That is what must be put to death. And His followers must do this daily. I’ve seen in my own life how quickly self-centered thinking will pull me away from Jesus and into sin. Like brushing my teeth, washing my hands, or eating a good breakfast, this needs to be part of each day’s routine.
What You Will Gain To Follow Jesus (v. 26-28)
But it’s not all loss! To follow Jesus is great gain, as Jesus now makes clear. You may encounter difficulties in this life, but what about the next? You gain your soul (v. 26). You cannot put a price on that!
Jesus also will personally repay you (v. 27). And not just in a slight, under-the-table sort of way. Jesus will come in His full glory, accompanied by His angels. It will be an awesome sight. And what will Jesus do? He will give to each as they deserve. Some will receive punishment, but for those who follow Jesus, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1). Instead, there will be reward, including the approval, “Well done, good and faithful slave. Enter into the joy of your master!” (Matthew 25:21, 23).
And if that is not enough, then comes the gain in verse 28: for a few of His disciples, they will see the full glory of Jesus as when He enters into His kingdom. I believe Jesus is speaking of His transfiguration, which comes next in Matthew 17:1-13. Jesus’ face shone like the sun, His garments were as white as light, and Peter, James, and John all got to see it.
In the course of following Jesus, He will increase your commitment to Him. Which will cost you something. But it will be worth it for what Jesus gives in return. Let Jesus be the one who guides you through this. He will let you know when it’s time, and what you will have to do. Just remember when you are faced with that choice: let go of what you’re holding onto in this life, and grab onto Jesus!
Discussion Questions:
- What is one thing you learned about Jesus?
- Do you think the gain of following Jesus outweighs the loss? Why or why not?
- What is an example of a personal dream or interest you have given up as part of following Jesus?
- What about Jesus’ words give you pause for thought? What causes you to be excited to follow Him?