Knowing The Word in Luke 9:23-27, Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

Immediately after declaring his own suffering, Jesus tells his disciples they will suffer also. While his cross and atoning death are literal, his disciples’ crosses are metaphorical with some exceptions. To deny oneself means not to be self-centered. These disciples had seen men taking up their own crosses and marching with Roman soldiers on a one-way journey in self-denial. Following Christ means dying to an old life and living a new one, this time on a one-way journey to eternal life. Paradoxically one can lose one’s life trying to save it! Trying to get the best out of life now for yourself means certain death. William Barclay writes, “The Christian must realize that he is given life, not to keep it for himself, but to spend it for others; not to husband its flame, but to burn himself out for Christ and for men.” Life cannot be lived for material gain for then you are following a false idol. Jesus then speaks of his return and the breaking in of a new order. It is a mysterious saying and not clear about what the kingdom of God is in this context. It could be referring to the resurrection or to Pentecost. It also could be the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70.

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

Holy and strong One

Forgive our weakness.

Holy and wise One

Forgive our foolishness.

Holy and loving One

Forgive our hardness.

Holy and generous One

Forgive our selfishness.

Holy and faithful One

Forgive our fickleness.

Holy and gentle One

Forgive our toughness.

Forgive us, Holy One,

Forgive.