Read Mark 8:31-38
Jesus said, “I Must!” We Must Also!
In verse 31 Jesus said he “MUST” Suffer many things. He “MUST” be rejected. He “MUST” be killed. Then after 3 days he “MUST” rise Again from the dead. He must do all these things in order to fulfill the purpose he was sent: provide salvation for the world. Jesus would be taking up his cross for us because he loves us.
In Vs 34, Jesus summons the multitude with his disciples and tells them what they / we must be willing to do if we want to follow Jesus.
1. We MUST be willing to deny ourselves which means to disown and renounce self. It is to disregard all personal interests and enjoyments. Therefore, Christ is always first.
2. We MUST be willing to take up our cross daily be willing to undergo sufferings, trials, punishments, even expose oneself to reproach and death for the sake of Jesus Christ.
3. We MUST be willing to follow Jesus which means being willing to become one with him, like in a marriage. His ways become our ways. His teachings become our guiding Light to follow.
Everyday we must be willing to renounce self and follow Jesus. Everyday we must be willing to take up our cross even unto death for the cause of Christ. Everyday we must be willing to follow Jesus no matter where he takes us knowing that he will always be with us.
What part of self is hindering our walk with Christ? What relationships? What addictions? What jobs? What finances?
What persecutions are we NOT willing to suffer for Christ? What rejection? What pain? What loneliness?
What path am I NOT willing to go down as I follow Jesus? Path of fear? The path of the unknown? The path of rejection? The path of loneliness?
Lord, help me fall in love with you so much that I’m willing to die daily for you and follow you no matter what comes my way.
