Whoever Wants to Come After Me

Introduction:

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ poses a profound challenge to those who seek to follow in His footsteps:

"Whoever wants to come after me must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24, NIV)

This verse has been a source of inspiration and guidance for Christians throughout history, calling them to a life of radical discipleship and self-sacrifice.

The Cost of Discipleship

Jesus' words are not meant to deter potential followers but to provide a realistic understanding of the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus requires a willingness to:

• Deny oneself: This means surrendering our own ambitions, desires, and will to God's.
• Take up our cross: This is a metaphor for the suffering and adversity we may face as we follow Jesus.
• Follow Him: This is not merely following a set of rules or beliefs but committing our entire lives to His mission and purpose.

The Rewards of Discipleship

While discipleship may involve sacrifices, it also comes with great rewards:

• Intimacy with God: As we follow Jesus, we grow closer to Him and experience His love and guidance.
• A life of purpose: Jesus' mission is to bring redemption and reconciliation to the world, and we have the privilege of participating in His work.
• Eternal life: Ultimately, those who follow Jesus will be rewarded with eternal life in His presence.

The Power of the Cross

The cross is a powerful symbol in Jesus' teachings. It represents:

• His sacrifice: Jesus willingly sacrificed His life on the cross to atone for our sins.
• Our salvation: Through His death and resurrection, we have access to God's forgiveness and grace.
• Our transformation: As we embrace the cross, we experience a transformation of our hearts and lives.

The Importance of Self-Denial

Self-denial is not about suppressing our desires or living a joyless life. It is about:

• Prioritizing God's will over our own: When we deny ourselves, we are choosing to obey God even when it is difficult.
• Avoiding temptation: Self-denial helps us resist the temptations that lead us away from God.
• Growing in humility: As we practice self-denial, we become less self-centered and more focused on serving others.

The Joy of Following Jesus

Following Jesus is not always easy, but it is a journey filled with joy and fulfillment.

• Experiencing God's presence: When we follow Jesus, we are not alone; God is always with us, guiding and supporting us.
• Making a difference in the world: As disciples of Jesus, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our communities and the world.
• Receiving eternal rewards: The ultimate joy of following Jesus is the promise of eternal life in His presence.

The Example of Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of a disciple who embraced the cross and followed God's will. He:

• Sacrificed His own life: Jesus willingly gave up His life for our salvation.
• Endured suffering and adversity: He faced persecution, rejection, and even death on the cross.
• Remained faithful to His Father: Despite the challenges He faced, Jesus never wavered in His obedience to God.

The Call to Discipleship

Jesus' challenge to "whoever wants to come after me" is not an invitation to a life of drudgery and despair. It is a call to a life of adventure, purpose, and joy.

• Are you willing to deny yourself and follow Jesus?
• Are you ready to take up your cross and experience the rewards of discipleship?
• If so, join the countless followers of Jesus throughout history who have answered His call and lived a life transformed by His grace.

Effective Strategies for Discipleship

• Engage in regular prayer: Prayer is a vital way to connect with God, seek His guidance, and grow in your faith.
• Study the Bible: The Bible is God's Word and contains everything we need to know about Him and His plan for our lives.
• Seek community with other believers: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your spiritual growth.
• Practice self-denial: Discipline yourself to resist temptation and prioritize God's will in your life.
• Serve others: Following Jesus involves serving others as He did, showing compassion and love to those in need.

Common Errors to Avoid in Discipleship

• Trying to do it alone: Discipleship is a journey best traveled with the support of others.
• Expecting perfection: Don't compare yourself to others or strive for perfection; focus on growing in your faith one day at a time.
• Getting discouraged: Don't give up when you face challenges; remember that God is with you and will help you through.
• Neglecting your spiritual growth: Make time for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to keep your faith strong.

Possible Disadvantages of Discipleship

• Facing adversity: Following Jesus may involve persecution, rejection, or even physical harm.
• Giving up personal ambitions: Denying yourself may require sacrificing some of your own goals or desires.
• Requiring time and commitment: Discipleship is a lifelong journey that requires a significant investment of time and effort.
• Potential for disappointment: Following Jesus does not guarantee an easy or comfortable life; it may involve challenges and setbacks.

Comparison of Pros and Cons of Discipleship

Call to Action

If you are ready to embrace the challenge of following Jesus, here are three steps to take:

1. Repent of your sins: Ask God to forgive you for your past mistakes and turn away from your sinful ways.
2. Believe in Jesus: Trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, believing that He died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead.
3. Commit to follow Him: Make a decision to follow Jesus every day, no matter the cost or challenges you may face.

By following these steps, you will embark on a journey that will lead you to a life of purpose, joy, and eternal fulfillment.

Humorous Anecdotes

Anecdote 1:

A new Christian was so eager to follow Jesus that he decided to give up all his worldly possessions. He sold everything he owned and gave the money to the poor. Unfortunately, he also gave away his house keys, and he had to spend the night on the streets.

Lesson: While it is important to sacrifice for Jesus, remember to use common sense!

Anecdote 2:

A group of Christians were having a Bible study on the topic of self-denial. One of the members shared a story about how he had decided to give up chocolate for Lent. Unfortunately, he forgot about his commitment and ate an entire chocolate cake the next day.

Lesson: Self-denial can be challenging, but it is important to stay focused on your goals.

Anecdote 3:

A pastor was preaching a sermon on the importance of the cross. He asked the congregation to imagine themselves carrying a heavy cross up a hill. One of the members shouted out, "But I don't even have a cross!"

Lesson: Following Jesus may involve challenges, but it is a journey that is filled with grace and support.

Statistical Data

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, approximately 70% of Americans identify as Christians. However, only about one-third of those Christians say they regularly pray or read the Bible.

These statistics suggest that many Christians may not be fully embracing the principles of discipleship laid out in the Gospels.

Quotes from Prominent Figures

John Wesley: "The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die."

Martin Luther King Jr.: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Tables

Table 1: Strategies for Effective Discipleship

Table 2: Common Errors in Discipleship

Table 3: Possible Disadvantages of Discipleship