Discipleship 101 (Matthew 10:34-39)

In the next two paragraphs, Jesus declares that He has not come to bring peace to the status quo, but conflict. Jesus’ Kingdom is at odds with the world, and the world will not accept His rule. And, as members of the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus’ followers are no longer a part of the powers that be in the world either. We are at odds with the way the world is in its rebellion, sin, and suffering. We have died to the world.

And therein lies a fundamental truth of discipleship. Jesus’ followers start their journey by dying to self. The New Testament states this over and over again. We are baptized into Jesus’ death. We take up our cross in following Jesus.

Consider the following Passages:

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” -Matthew 16:25,26

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” -Mark 8:35

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” -Mark10:45

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” -Luke 9:23

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. HE who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” -John 12:24,25

“Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?” -Romans 6:1-11(*3)

“I die daily” -1 Corinthians 15:31

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” -Philippians 1:21

“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ our Lord.” -Colossians 3:3

This does not line up neatly with the, “Pray the prayer” idea of salvation these days, but it is seen throughout scripture. So,

Have you died to yourself in following the King of the Universe?