Holy Week Walking

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Scripture:

Matt. 16:24 ¶ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Matt. 16:25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Matt. 16:26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
John 13:15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

Observation:

Jesus’ entire life was one in which he was restoring humanity.  Before holy week even arrived Jesus was speaking to his disciples about taking up their cross and following him.  The symbolism of bringing their entire lives into submission to the authority of the kingdom was seen in this statement.  And yet, it was also a foreshadowing of what was to come. 

On this Wednesday of holy week, we are called to follow Jesus on the journey that would lead him to the cross.  It was a journey in which everything related to the world was to be abandoned.  Those who wanted to save their lives from their own perspective didn’t realize that holding on to the way of the past would lead to death.  Instead, giving up that life and wholeheartedly following Jesus Christ meant that their lives would be saved. 

And what were they holding onto?  All the things of the world.  The materialistic things would ultimately mean nothing in light of life in the kingdom which came through submission to the way of the cross. 

Jesus was carving out the pathway — and it was time for the disciples to follow him in all things.

It was holy week.  He would physically take up a cross.  Were they ready?

Application:

The same question is posed for you and for me.  Are we willing to give up all the things of the world for what the kingdom has to offer?  It requires complete and total submission to Jesus.  This is not just something half-hearted, but it is complete and entire devotion and service to Jesus.  There can be nothing that distracts from loving him.

It’s holy week.  Jesus has taken up the cross.  Are we ready to follow?

Prayer:

Lord, as you lead, please help me to follow. Amen.




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