Tuesday, March 09, 2004

Matthew 10:38
"he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

I think today when we read this verse, we read it with the knowledge of Jesus on the Cross, his paying for our sins, doing the work for us, and so on. That's not the way it was heard.

He spoke these words before his crucifixion, of course, and to an audience that had no idea that a crucifixion lay ahead.

I think these words are all the more striking in that context.

Jesus's call is for complete sacrifice (and humiliation 'take up your cross') today, in faith that he is worth the cost and that the Spirit will sustain us, but without the benefit of knowing what is ahead aside from the provision and salvation of God.

Of course, no one will prove themselves worthy of Jesus. Should we let that be our concern? "by no means!" heh.

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