Connect360: Who is My Disciple?

  |  Source: GC2 Press

Lesson Two in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church" focuses on Luke 14:25-35.

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  • Lesson Two in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on Luke 14:25-35.

A true disciple of Jesus Christ willingly denies self in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. The call to deny self is presented in some of the most challenging words Jesus spoke, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his fatherand mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. Andwhoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27).

The phrase “deny themselves” (Mark 8:34) requires putting aside one’s personal ambitions, desires and attachments, choosing instead a path of self-sacrifice. Denying self does not mean abandoning personal identity but rather placing Christ’s mission and values at the forefront of one’s life. Discipleship means rejecting the pursuit of self-centered goals and, instead, pursuing the purposes of God wholeheartedly. Our love and loyalty to Christ shouldsurpass all other relationships and commitments.

Radical self-denial requires an inner transformation and reorientation of priorities. Denying oneself is a countercultural act that requires daily effort. Jesus’ teaching on self-denial is closely tied to the notion of taking up one’s cross.

In the first century Roman context, the cross was a symbol of suffering, shame and death. To “take up their cross”is, therefore, to embrace a life that will include hardship, persecution and even the loss of worldly status or comfort forthe sake of the gospel.

Paul echoed this in Galatians 2:20 when he wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christlives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Often, the cross is seen as a burden to bear or a person to endure. However, a better picture might be our crucifiedbody (self) nailed to a cross. We intentionally shoulder that cross with full understanding of our own death and Christalive in us!

In Luke 14:33, Jesus said, “those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” That highlights the necessity of total surrender, where material possessions, relationships and other self-interest are submitted to the will of God.

Paradoxically, while denying oneself appears to be restrictive, it actually leads to true freedom. Jesus teaches that “whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25). Thisparadox underscores selfish pursuits are unfulfilling but surrendering control to God brings purpose, peace and joy.

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