The Cost of Discipleship: Dying to Self, Living for Christ

"The Cost of Discipleship: Dying to Self, Living for Christ"

Reflection on Matthew 16:24-28

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In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks some of the most challenging words found in the New Testament:

“If anyone wants to become my follower, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

These words strike at the heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. They are not suggestions. They are not poetic ideals. They are a radical call to live differently — to live for Christ and not for ourselves.

Deny Yourself

The first command is to deny yourself. In our world today, that’s almost countercultural. We're taught to chase our dreams, fulfill our desires, and pursue our own happiness above all else. But Jesus says, “Deny yourself.” Why?

Because true life — eternal life — is not found in satisfying every earthly want or ambition. It's found in surrender. It's found in realizing that our hearts were made for more than this world can offer. Jesus is not calling us to hatred of self, but rather to a radical reordering of priorities, where He becomes first and foremost.

Take Up Your Cross

Next, Jesus calls us to take up our cross. The cross, in Jesus’ time, was not a spiritual symbol or piece of jewelry. It was an instrument of torture, suffering, and death. When Jesus tells us to take up our cross, He is telling us that following Him means sacrifice — real sacrifice.

This could mean enduring hardship for the sake of truth, loving others when it’s painful, forgiving when we have every reason to hold a grudge, or remaining faithful in the face of suffering. Every Christian life has a cross. The question is whether we will carry it with Jesus, or try to escape it on our own.

Follow Me

And finally, He says, “Follow me.” This is where the challenge becomes personal. Jesus is not asking us to merely admire Him from a distance. He invites us into a relationship, into a journey. But it’s a journey that involves walking where He walked — along the path of love, humility, self-giving, and yes, even suffering.

But let’s not miss this: Jesus doesn't ask us to go anywhere He hasn’t gone Himself. He carried the cross first. He denied Himself first. He laid down His life first — for us. And because He did, our crosses, our sacrifices, and even our deaths have been redeemed.

A Glimpse of Glory

The Gospel passage ends with a promise: “The Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father... and then he will reward each according to their conduct.” (v. 27)

Jesus doesn’t ask us to follow Him into death without the promise of life. He reminds us that there is glory ahead. Resurrection awaits. Every sacrifice we make now will be repaid a hundredfold. Every cross we carry with Him will one day be exchanged for a crown.

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Key Takeaway:
Following Christ means dying to ourselves daily, but in doing so, we find the only life that truly satisfies — a life of eternal joy with Him. The cross is not the end — it’s the way to glory.