In the last post, we considered the identity of Jesus.  We considered his claim to be the King and Savior of the world.  We suggested that either he was the King and Savior or he was an egotistical nut.  Assuming we believe his claim to be the King and Savior (as I do), how should we respond.  Jesus continues in Luke 9 to tell us.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (v23).  We are to come after him, to follow him, and this following includes self-denial.

I have a card on my computer which says: “Oh yeah.  I keep forgetting.  It’s not about me.  It is about Him.”  Self-denial is living out this card, not living for myself but rather living for him.  If he is my King, I must live for him.  If he is my Savior, I owe him my life.  How might this play out in practical terms?

It means first of all, that I deny my life (v23-24).  Verse 23 says we should take up our cross.  The disciples knew this was an invitation to die.  As Jesus died for us, we should be willing to die for him.  And countless Christians through the centuries and around the world have given their lives for Jesus and continue to do so today.

Yet, he says to take up your cross daily.  This takes us beyond a willingness to literally die to the idea of dying to ourselves; that is, not living for ourselves, but rather giving of ourselves each day for him and indeed for others.  Because it is not about me, I can set aside my agenda to serve Christ by serving people.  Verse 24 goes on to say that if I seek to save my life (live for myself), I will lose.  But if I die t myself, giving of myself, I will find true life.

Secondly, I must deny nt nly my life, but my stuff (v25).  Yes, I can enjoy what God gives me, but I don’t live for it.  I am willing to give it away.  I can give to others rather than hoard my resources seeking to gain the world.

Thirdly, I must deny my reputation (v26).  Not ashamed, I must be willing to lose my reputation for Jesus by telling others about him.  People may laugh, scoff, or ridicule, but it is not about me, it is about him.  It is not about lifting up my name, but his.

Jesus is our King and Savior.  It is not about me.  It is about him.  May God help us live this out more and more each day.