Luke 9:22-25 NRSVue
22“The Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
23Then he said to them all, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. 25For what does it profit them if they gain the whole world but lose or forfeit themselves?
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Reflection on Luke 9:22-25
Inspiration from 2027-02-11 Daily Prayer
In this encounter, when Jesus asks ‘Who do you say that I am?’, he makes it clear to the disciples that he is not the mighty political figure they were expecting. Peter is correct to say he is the Messiah, but Jesus makes sure that they realise that this means he will be rejected and put to death. Not only that, but his followers must prepare for a similar fate: they will also have a heavy cross to bear. It’s a disturbing vision of discipleship.
Jesus teaches that we must be prepared to ‘take up our cross’ and follow him. Am I willing to be selfless and to lead a life of service, as he did? Can I risk my reputation by standing up for someone who is mistreated? Can I show kindness always, even when it is challenging?
Further reflection
The gospel is unambiguous - suffering and self-displacement are the hallmarks of a disciple. Jesus goes the way of the cross. He does not hoard his life, even though living must have had a special quality for him. I am called not to hoard my life, but to live generously.
Lord, what you call me to is radical and counter- cultural. Without your grace I will be a mean person. I will be self-seeking, always looking out for my own benefit. Help me to let go of that sort of life. May I learn to accept life in a loving spirit as you did. Only so will I be a source of good to others.