We have recently seen the power of God in the gospel of Luke — looking at the miracles of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. We were reminded that since Jesus met such radical needs (feeding 5,000 people with 5 loaves and two fishes) that He can certainly meet our own needs. We were challenged that just as the woman with the issue of blood reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment – so we ought to reach out and touch the “hem of Jesus’ garment” by faith through prayer.
There is more, however, to this relationship that we have with our Savior as His followers. This relationship is not just simply our asking God for things when we are in need and the rest of the time, we go on living as we always have in the past. Luke 9 speaks of something even greater…something of greater sacrifice and of greater blessing! Today, I would like to explore some the reasons as to why we must willingly set aside our will to follow God.
Background to the text: Early in Luke 9 Jesus had just feed the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. Then in verse 18 we find the Lord praying and the disciples joining Him. The Lord asks them who people say He is and they answer. He asks them who they think He is, and they answer (v. 20b). It is during this conversation that Jesus eludes to that which is yet to come for Him (v. 22). So, why ought we to set aside our will and follow the Lord’s will? Why must our relationship with Jesus be more than simply receiving His blessings as His child?
…because of the Greater Sacrifice He made for us (v. 22)
Jesus speaks of the things He must suffer at the hands of the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes in beatings and mockery. He also speaks of the things He must suffer in death. When we turn to the end of the gospel of Luke, we find these very sayings fulfilled!
Luke 22:63-65; 23:36-37 – His beating and being mocked
Luke 23:33 – His crucifixion
Consider the car riding your bumper that finally passes you as though you are going 25 MPH in a 65 MPH zone — that can be really frustrating. Especially when you actually have your cruise control set to 5 miles over the speed limit. You weren’t going slow at all! But it is the police car waiting around the corner that pulls that speeding car over that gives you a sense of “he deserves that.” Right?
Or it is the guy at work that laughs at are your mistake – and even makes sure everyone knows about your mistake, that feels like your “thorn in the flesh.” However, it is when the same co-worker is reprimanded by the boss that you feel like “he had that coming.”
Jesus did not deserve such punishment and humiliation…He didn’t “have it coming.”
Jesus did not have to endure such punishment and humiliation.
…but Jesus took such punishment and humiliation for me — and for you!
What sacrifice is seen in Jesus on the cross! No other sacrifice comes close in comparison.
…because of the Greater Blessings He secured for us (v. 22)
Jesus also spoke of the fact He would be raised up the third day! When Jesus Christ arose from the grave, He solidly conquered sin, death, and hell. He was victorious. The chains of sin and death had been broken forever!
Great sacrifice was required to bring about great blessing!
Why ought we to set aside our will for the Lord’s will? Why must our relationship with Jesus be more than simply receiving His blessings as His child?
…because of HIS sacrifice and HIS blessings, we are called to Greater Sacrifice for HIM (v. 23-26)
Death to self is the theme throughout these next few verses. Look at the phrases used here:
“let him deny himself”
“take up his cross daily” (death or separation from the old life)
“whosoever will lose his life for my sake”
“gain the whole world, and lose himself”
The Lord calls those who follow Him to not merely use Him as a wish list Santa or magical genie – but one who they are to follow whole-heartedly.
His will before their will
His desires before their desires
His objectives before their objectives
His loves before their own loves
The Lord calls each of us as His followers…His disciples…to follow Him implicitly without hesitation.
You may think to yourself — But the sacrifice is so great. I have so many things I want to do. I have so many goals I want to accomplish. I have so many possessions I want to acquire. I have people I want to control. I have people I want to make do right. I won’t be able to do those things if I follow Christ so closely. I will have to relinquish that to Jesus! Look at verse 25 again, my friend.
Yes, there is great sacrifice…and there is also blessing. However, and we must not miss this truth, sacrifice comes with blessing!
6 Blessings that flow from Sacrifice:
The sacrifice of obedience to parents brings blessing -- “that is may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Eph. 6:3)
The sacrifice of giving to those in need brings blessing – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)
The sacrifice of dependence upon God and not self brings blessing – “and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6)
The sacrifice of enduring trials brings blessing – “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12)
The sacrifice of faithful leadership for the Lord, even when your reputation is wrongly soiled on earth, brings blessings – “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (I Peter 5:4)
The sacrifice of trusting in the ultimate sacrifice, not self, and receiving the persecution that befalls everyone who lives godly in Christ Jesus bring blessings – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-18)
So, you see, the sacrifice isn’t so great when you consider the greater sacrifice the Lord made on our behalf to make possible the greatest blessing of all – forgiveness of sin and eternal life in heaven.
May we, the church of God, live rejoicing in the great privilege we have to serve the Lord – no matter what the sacrifice!