Devotional: Losing to Save Matthew 10:24-39
- Joesph Myles
- May 19, 2019
- 2 min read
“‘For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25, NASB).
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Is there a price to be paid, and if so, what will it cost? Is there a difference between being saved and being a disciple? In our text Jesus is teaching the people, and us, that we will pay a price if we decide to be one of His disciples. He says, ‘A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master’ (v. 24, NASB). The disciple suffers like his teacher. The disciple rejoices with his teacher. The disciple shares life with the teacher.
Jesus experiences rejection and the disciple can expect to experience rejection also. Jesus will lose His life in the flesh, but God will raise Him from the dead. He will live again. Jesus tells His disciples that they too can expect to be killed. However, they must not fear those that seek their life. He says, ‘Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell’ (v. 28, NASB).
Those that choose to be Jesus’ disciple do so at the risk of losing relationships; including family members (v. 35-37). Those that choose to be Jesus’ disciple must love Him above all others. They must take up their cross and follow Him daily. Those who choose their own life over life with Jesus will lose their life. On the other hand, those who lose their life in order to be a disciple of Jesus will find it. Just as God will raise Jesus from the dead, He will raise His disciples from the dead also.
I must choose whether I want to live a life that pleases the world and those that I love, or will I risk losing this life in order to be a disciple of Jesus and gain eternal life with God. We cannot sit on the fence. We must make a choice. I have decided to lose this life in order to find my life in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Thank You God for giving me the choice between life for myself and life for Jesus. I choose Jesus. Amen.
Comments