January 26 | Luke 9:23-25

Dave Mann
Jan 26
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Challenges from Jesus

By Dave Mann

The is a narrative about the Old Testament and Jesus floating around our society. It goes something like this: “The God of the Old Testament is hard, mean, and demanding. However, Jesus is nice, gentle, and kind.” But if we take the time to read the New Testament, we will find that Jesus can be quite challenging as well. Take today’s reading for example.

Jesus offers some stern words to his disciples. The word “disciples” includes not only those who wanted to follow Jesus in the 1^st century but also those who desire to follow Jesus in the 21^st century.

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Jesus is more than kind and gentle. He challenges us as well.

Anyone who would come after me – Jesus addresses all who desire to follow him, not a select few who we might be regarded as super spiritual.

Let him deny himself – We should separate ourselves from self-serving priorities.

Take up his cross – We should be willing and prepared to be crucified for the sake of Jesus. Yes, that includes martyrdom.

Daily – This is regular, habitual lifestyle, not a one-time event that is easily forgotten.

And follow me – We should expect to follow Jesus’ footsteps, i.e., to go where Jesus has gone.

Here are other verses in the New Testament that challenge followers of Jesus.

Matthew 10:37 – Whoever loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Romans 12:1 – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

2 Timothy 3:12 – Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Philippians 1:29 – For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.

With this challenge is given a wonderful promise – whoever loses his life for my sake will save it (v. 24). Jesus grants his followers the desire to be enfolded in life with their Lord. Followers of Jesus understand that the gift of salvation is so precious that they cherish the opportunity to walk with Jesus through suffering into eternal life.

PRAYER

Dear God, I pray that your Holy Spirit would convince my heart again and again that your gift of salvation is so wonderful that I would be willing to follow into experiences of suffering for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of seven. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.