Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. John 12:24-27 NIV
With the reality of the cross close at hand, Jesus made this statement, referring to his need to die so that many could be saved. His soul was troubled by the thought of the cross, and understandably so, yet he possessed a resolve that would give Him the strength to endure it. We are given an inside look at His mindset as he contemplated the thought of dying such a torturous death and the key appears to be an understanding that eternal life is far better than life in this world. Jesus knew that He couldn’t afford to fall in love with life in this world. His focus, His desire, all His affections had to based in eternity, not in this life. Then he said, “Whoever serves me must follow me.” Could it be that we too must have the same mindset? Is the key to spiritual success linked with our ability to detach our affections from life in this world? Think about the things you do in an average day. How much of your energy, attention and focus is spent on eternal things as opposed to things that pertain to life in this world? I dare say the one we spend more time pursuing we love more.
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. Luke 9:23-24 NIV
I love that Jesus leads by example. He never asks us to do anything that He hasn’t already done. He denied Himself, gave up equality with God the Father, emptied Himself and entered our world as a helpless baby. He lived a sinless life which doesn’t mean he wasn’t tempted to sin, but that he refused to sin, denying himself any pleasure sin offered. Then he denied himself by enduring the cross when he could have easily called on angels to deliver him. Because He did it first, He has the right to tell us that we, if we want to be His disciple, must do likewise.
Peter understood what Jesus was saying and later offers this teaching: Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.1 Peter 4:1-5 NIV
Peter gives us an idea of what it means to deny ourselves, then goes even farther to tell us the things we should be focused on.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11 NIV
So how will you live your life? Will you be able to say, like Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20 NIV Will you deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Christ, or will you put your time and energy into pursuing this life?