Preparing For The Journey

Read Proverbs 21

Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”

Matthew 16:24

Jesus never hesitated to add sobering warnings to shocking announcements. In the preceding verses, he had informed his disciples plainly of his approaching execution and resurrection. Because they couldn’t imagine what he meant by describing his own death, they didn’t even consider what he meant by his prediction to be raised the third day.

Quickly rejecting Peter’s insistence that Jesus’ outlook was unacceptable, the Lord turned his attention to the disciples with the challenge in today’s proverb. Note that his audience (the disciples) probably assumed that they were already his followers, but his words questioned that assumption. Jesus noted four characteristics of genuine disciples: (1) a disciple desires to follow; (2) a disciple sets aside self-centered plans, expectations, and schedules; (3) a disciple accepts (takes up, shoulders) the burdens associated with following Christ; and (4) a disciple actually does follow Christ.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Actually follow Jesus today.

Dear Lord, point out to me anything on my schedule today that is nothing more than selfish ambition. Please give me courage to put that aside and follow you.