Last Supper 2

Luke 9:23-25

As many already know, Peggy enrolled me in curling classes which I have been enjoying very much. (You can see some highlights from the first lesson on YouTube.) One of the first things I had to do was to sign a liability waiver stating that I did not hold the organization responsible if I suffered injury, permanent paralysis or death because of curling.

It made me laugh. I can’t imagine the set of circumstances that would need to happen for me to die while curling, but there it is. The organization had to let me know there were risks.

Jesus had a caution for those who would follow him. He presented a challenge and a warning for the faithful believers who would try to do his work. What requirements are upon those who would obey Christ? What question does he pose in verse 25?

Jesus knew that he would ultimately face crucifixion on the cross. The time spent with the disciples during the Last Supper was a final opportunity for him to be among those he cared for, and also a chance to prepare them for what was to come. But long before that meal Jesus let the faithful believers know what it would cost to follow him.

If anyone will follow Jesus – that is, try to live a life of loving and caring other people – then we will need to take up our own cross. It is likely not to be a wooden structure built for execution. Instead, our own cross will probably be the work and effort and struggles we will endure as we try to do good work for the kingdom of God. And it is not a one-time effort, but a daily sacrifice.

Being an obedient Christian is not an easy task. Jesus himself points out that we must deny ourselves by giving up personal comforts and ease for the trials of work and sacrifice. If we will save our life – have eternal life with God – we must lose our life – abandon the pleasures and personal gratification of our mortal life.

Communion is an opportunity to invite the presence of Jesus into your heart to help guide you in a life of service and sacrifice. While it is not easy, the reward is our eternal joy for serving our Lord.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you lose your life in order to save it?