The Set Up: Have you ever said yes to something or bought something only to find out there were some conditions you weren’t aware of or didn’t pay attention to? Often, we call that, “the fine print.” It’s the gotcha that comes along with the deal. When the promise sounds too good to be true, it usually is. You signed up for the new phone plan with your carrier because you could get the newest phone free, and then it wasn’t.
Well, no one could ever accuse Jesus of hiding the cost of following him in the fine print. Jesus came onto the scene teaching the people about God in a way that amazed them (Matthew 7:28), performing miracles and healings like they had never seen (Matthew 9:35), and raising the dead (John 11). He invited people to follow him and help him change the world. But he was also straight up about the costs and challenges of doing so.
As he was preparing to travel to Jerusalem, he told his followers that he was going to be killed, which they really didn’t want to hear. They had put all their hope in him and this was not the end they were looking for. That had to add extra punch when he went on to tell them:
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” – Matthew 16:24-26
See? No fine print or “gotcha’s” there. Jesus openly told his followers that it would not be easy to live the life he was calling them to, even as he promised them joy and an abundant life (John 10:10). As we move toward Easter and the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, we experience the sacrifice of Lent as a reminder that we are called to deny ourselves and follow him. Giving up food, certain foods, or something else may feel like a sacrifice, but it is a part of following Christ to the cross and sharing in his sufferings.
Biblical passage to read: Matthew 16:21-28
Reflection Questions:
• Have you ever been burned by the “fine print”? How did it make you feel?
• What do you think of Jesus’ statements in Matthew 16 about taking up your cross and following him? What do you think that means in your life?
• What has God been teaching you so far during this Lenten season?
Prayer Focus: Jesus, you have invited me to take up my cross and follow you. I want to better understand what that means in my life and then live it out. So I ask you for wisdom to know what you are calling me to, and I ask for courage to take up my cross daily. Amen.