What ‘Coming After’ Means

“He strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one,  saying, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?  For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels.'” Luke 9:21-26

“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own.., but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:8-10

Jesus had commissioned His disciples with power over demons and diseases, they reported their activities back in private conversation, and took part in His miracle of feeding the 5000. Although He had prepared them for rejection, and John the baptizer had been beheaded, they were drawn up into His message and power. Peter acknowledged He was the Christ. They had chosen to come after Him in significant ways. Jesus’s new revelation drew them even deeper, setting their eyes on eternal gain and glory. Suffering would be part of their following Him, a teaching not fully comprehended at the time, understood better on the other side of the cross where victory was known. Jesus continually called them to live by faith. (Luke 9:1-20)

It can be exciting to get caught up in kingdom work and the thrilling feel-good of meaningful service, and not consider the suffering attached to following Christ. He does direct and in many ways bless our ministry for Him, but is clear about the challenges of faith that will arise if we are all in with Him. This side of the cross, we have the benefit of knowing the end of the story, yet still, coming after Him has its tests and heartaches. Yes, there are great promises of ultimate victory, a vanquished enemy, and eternal blessing. But in these days on earth, we will suffer, be rejected, and lose out, all for the privilege of identifying with Christ.

Do we prefer to select words from God we like and reject others, or are we taking in His whole counsel? How is our understanding of present realities and suffering enhanced through a broader grasp of God’s eternal plan? How willing are we to deny ourselves for His holy sake? How will we prepare to take up His cross at home, work, in our neighborhood, along with His life-giving words? No matter our reception, blessed is the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

Lord, make me willing to suffer, in Your resurrection power, for Your sake and glory.