Sermon summary
At the heart of Jesus’ teaching about discipleship is the call to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. But self-denial does not naturally appeal to most of us. We would rather help ourselves than deny ourselves. The world we live in increasingly caters to this kind of attitude: we are encouraged to expect from each day things that will make us feel happier, fuller, or more satisfied. Yet most of us, upon reflection, recognize that unchecked consumption can be damaging, not only to us, but to the people around us, and indeed, to all of society. Self-denial is not only about things, either, but also our patterns of aggression, reaction, getting our own way – all of these things that perpetuate cycles of violence and alienation instead of the peace for which we were made. Our desire for satisfaction, even at the expense of others and our relationship with God, is a consequence of the reign of sin in the world.
Jesus’ death on the cross was the great event in which his refusal of self-centred ways and his ultimate trust in God’s gift of true life undid the power of sin and death in the world. In Jesus’ resurrection, the way of true life is opened to those who will trust him with their lives. Jesus offers the way of the cross not as a burden, but as the way out. “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
The way of the cross can be practiced not only in life-and-death situations but also in small ways. By curbing our tendencies to indulge ourselves, to impulsively react to surprising or confrontational situations, and to isolate ourselves from the challenges of real-life community, we are learning to take up our cross.
Discussion Questions
1. What makes self-denial, or putting others ahead of ourselves, difficult, even if we want to do it?
2. Have you ever “given something up for Lent”? Why or why not?
3. Read Matthew 16:21-23. What was wrong with Peter’s response to Jesus?
4. How does knowing the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection make a difference to how we might hear the call to deny ourselves and take up our cross?
5. Do you think there is a difference between “taking up your cross” and enduring everyday suffering or difficulties? Why or why not? You might find it helpful to reflect on 1 Peter 3:14-18 and Hebrews 12:4-11.
6. In verse 24, the words translated in the NIV as “be my disciple” literally mean “come behind me.” How does having this picture of standing/walking behind Jesus affect the way you consider your life?
7. How do you think someone can “find” their life even if the lose it? Can you think of any examples of this?
8. As you consider how to put Jesus’ words into practice in different areas of everyday life, meditate on the following:
a. Indulgence/prioritizing your own immediate wants: Philippians 2:3-11
b. Impulsive reactions to confrontation: 1 Peter 2:23-25
c. Isolating ourselves: Ephesians 2:14-18
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