Greetings, dear friends, and welcome back to “A Word from the Vine.” I’m Pastor Loren, and today we’re delving into a profound and challenging theme: the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus is a journey that requires self-denial, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Let’s explore what it means to truly take up our cross and follow Him.
Let’s take a look at our key scripture for today, Mark 8:34-38:
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? 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.”
In this passage, Jesus calls the crowd and His disciples to Him and lays out the cost of discipleship. He says that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. This call to self-denial and bearing our own crosses is central to the Christian life.
Jesus’ words remind us that following Him is not about seeking comfort or avoiding hardship. It’s about surrendering our own desires and ambitions to embrace God’s will for our lives. Taking up our cross means being willing to endure suffering, rejection, and sacrifice for the sake of Christ and the Gospel.
Let me share a brief story of someone who embraced the cost of discipleship. Consider the life of St. Francis of Assisi, a wealthy young man who renounced his riches to live a life of poverty and service. St. Francis felt called to rebuild the Church and care for the poor and marginalized. Despite facing ridicule and opposition, he remained steadfast in his mission. His life of self-denial and dedication to God’s work continues to inspire believers around the world.
I want to encourage each of you to reflect on your own lives and consider how you can prioritize your mission over seeking approval from others. Are there areas where you need to deny yourself and take up your cross? Remember, Jesus promises that those who lose their life for His sake and the Gospel’s will save it. Let us embrace the cost of discipleship, knowing that our true reward is found in following Him.
Thank you for joining me for this short, three-part series on “A Word from the Vine.” Stay tuned for more episodes, where we will continue to explore the themes of faith and commitment. Until then, may God bless you and your family.
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