The passage in Matthew 16:24, where Jesus tells his disciples to deny themselves, take up their crosses and follow him, is a profound and challenging call. These words reflect the nature of true Christian discipleship and reveal essential principles for a life of faith. In this Bible study, we will explore the meaning and application of this message, examining other related verses that will help us better understand Jesus’ teachings.
The Denial of Self
Jesus begins his instruction with the words: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me;” (Matthew 16:24). This statement may seem paradoxical at first glance, however, when we examine it more deeply, we discover a spiritual truth of great significance.
Self-denial does not imply despising or hating our own identity, but letting go of our selfish, self-centered nature. It is an invitation to prioritize the interests of God and others above our own. This call requires an internal transformation, in which our personal desires and ambitions are submitted to the divine will. It means choosing to forgo earthly pleasures and benefits in favor of God’s kingdom and divine purposes.
In the book of Hebrews, we find an excerpt that illustrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling his promises: ′′ Therefore, wanting God to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, he interposed himself with an oath; that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have firm consolation, who take refuge in retaining the hope set before us; which we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast, and which enters within the veil, where Jesus, our forerunner, has entered for us, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:17-20 ) .
This verse underscores God’s immutability and faithfulness in keeping his promises. He assures us that as we put our trust in God and hold fast to the hope He offers us, we will have an anchor for our souls. This anchor is sure and firm, penetrating beyond the veil, indicating the access we have to God through Jesus Christ, our forerunner and eternal high priest.
These words from the book of Hebrews complement Jesus’ instruction about denying yourself. As we abandon our selfishness and place our hope and trust in God, we find comfort and security in his unwavering faithfulness. The figure of the high priest, according to the order of Melchizedek, points to the supremacy and permanence of the priesthood of Jesus Christ, which opens the way to communion with God.
So, as we examine both Jesus’ instruction and the words of the book of Hebrews, we understand that denying yourself is a profound invitation to abandon our selfish nature and pursue a life centered on God and others. It is a journey of inner transformation, in which we find comfort and security in the unchanging faithfulness of God, anchoring our soul in the hope proposed by Him.
Take up Your Cross
The second part of the verse in Matthew 16:24 says, “take up your cross” . This expression used by Jesus is a direct reference to the crucifixion, a symbol of suffering and extreme sacrifice. At that time, the cross was a cruel and humiliating form of punishment, known for its cruelty and dishonor.
By calling us to take up our cross, Jesus invites us to be willing to face hardship and persecution for the sake of the gospel. This implies being willing to bear the consequences of following Christ, even if it means facing rejection, opposition, or even physical death.
Taking up our cross is also related to total surrender to God. Just as Jesus laid down his life on the cross for us, we must be willing to give our lives entirely to Him. It is an expression of radical faith and a response to God’s unconditional love for us.
To help us understand this call, we find a verse in Romans 8:13: “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” This verse emphasizes the importance of living in conformity with the Spirit, allowing Him to guide our choices and actions.
By living according to the selfish desires of the flesh, we are destined for spiritual death. However, if, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body, renouncing sinful inclinations and pursuing a life of obedience to God, then we will truly live.
The combination of Jesus’ words about taking up our cross and the verse in Romans 8:13 shows us that following Christ implies a total surrender, ready to face difficulties and renounce our selfish desires. It is a journey of inner renewal, guided by the Holy Spirit, and a response to Jesus’ love and sacrifice on our behalf.
As we reflect on these truths, we are reminded of other verses that encourage us to continue on this journey. For example, in Philippians 3:8 , the apostle Paul writes, “And indeed, I also count all things loss for the excellency of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord; for which I have suffered the loss of all these things, and count them as dross, that I might gain Christ,”
In this verse, Paul expresses his perspective on the affairs of the world in comparison with knowing Christ Jesus your Lord. Paul states that he counts all things loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. This means that he recognizes that all earthly achievements, riches and pleasures are insignificant compared to the preciousness of knowing Jesus personally. For him, nothing compares to intimacy and relationship with the Lord.
Paul also points out that he suffered the loss of all these things. This indicates that, in choosing to follow Christ and live according to the principles of the Gospel, he had to give up many things that were valued by society, such as status, social position and even his former identity as a persecutor of Christians.
He goes so far as to claim that he considers all these things to be dross, which means that he views them as something contemptible, of no real value when compared with the treasure of knowing Christ. Paul is willing to give up everything the world values in exchange for fellowship with Jesus and sharing life and death with Him.
This passage challenges us to examine our priorities and value the knowledge of Christ above all else. Paul teaches us that true wealth and satisfaction come from a relationship with Jesus, and that anything else the world offers is fleeting and cannot compare to the eternal value of knowing Him.
Therefore, we can learn from Paul to place Jesus at the center of our lives, forsaking the things of this world that distract us and seeking a deeper communion with Him. As we do this, we will find a joy and fulfillment that can only be found in Christ.
follow Jesus
The third part of the verse declares, “…and follow me” (Matthew 16:24c). Following Jesus implies walking in his footsteps, imitating his character and living according to his teachings. It is an invitation to a life of discipleship, where we are in constant search of an intimate communion with the Lord.
Following Jesus involves a total surrender to his leadership. He is our Master and Savior, and we must recognize his authority in all areas of our lives. This requires a daily commitment to seek and obey God’s will, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way.
While following Jesus is a demanding calling, it is also an invitation to experience a full and abundant life in His presence. By following Christ, we find forgiveness, redemption, and true purpose. It is a journey of continual transformation where we are molded into the likeness of Christ and empowered to impact the world around us with the love of God.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of serving and following Him. He claims that those who serve Him must follow Him closely, be where He is. This means being willing to commit to a life of discipleship, placing Jesus as the center and model of their lives. “ If anyone serves me, follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. And if anyone serves me, him my Father will honor.” – (John 12:26)
Furthermore, Jesus promises that those who serve Him will be honored by God the Father. This indicates that God values and rewards those who dedicate their lives to serving Jesus and fulfilling his will. This honor can manifest itself in many ways, such as spiritual blessings, growth in faith, and joy in the presence of God.
This verse leads us to examine our attitude of service to Jesus. He invites us not just to follow Him superficially, but to give ourselves completely to Him, placing Him as Lord of our lives and seeking to serve Him with sincerity and devotion. And as we do, we can trust that God will honor and bless us on our journey of faith.
Conclusion
Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him is a radical invitation to a life of authentic discipleship. While challenging, it is a transformative journey, where we are drawn into deeper intimacy with God and are empowered to live in accordance with his eternal purpose.
By denying ourselves, we recognize that life is not about ourselves, but about living for the glory of God and serving others. As we take up our cross, we embrace the suffering and sacrifice that come with following Christ, trusting in God’s grace and power to sustain us. And by following Jesus, we find a path of hope, transformation and fullness of life.
May we embrace this call of Jesus in our daily lives, seeking to live in total submission to his will and allowing him to guide our every step. May the Holy Spirit empower us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus so that we can experience the abundant life and impact the world around us with God’s love and grace.
And he said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be condemned. – Mark 16:15-16
