February 4, 2009 - The Way Of The Cross

Meditation on Luke 9

Jesus talked about his cross twice in this passage. Moreover, Jesus was heard discussing his death with Moses and Elijah on the Mountain, where he was transfigured.

Then He said to the twelve, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (v. 23 NKJV) All of us who follow Him must go through the way of the cross. What is the way of the cross?

It involves rejection and humility like what Jesus have experienced and taught the disciples. We are to be like a little child. (v. 46-48) We are to accept others who are different from us. (v. 49-50) We are to show tolerance even in the midst of rejection. (v. 51-56) We are to live a simple life style by trusting in divine provision. (v. 1-6, 57) And we should put our relationship with Jesus even more important than our family relationship. (v. 58-62)

At the same time this kind of life style will have the power of God to serve Him. We will see God's miracles in our lives and ministries like the twelve did. And we will see God's glory when He comes in His glory. Jesus said, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what advantage is it to a man if he gains the whole world but is himself destroyed or lost?" (v. 24-25) The way of the cross saves a life for each us. But the way of the world costs one's life. Which one do you take? Do you just rely on yourself or simply have faith and trust in Jesus?