Embracing the Awkward Week 2
Sharable notes for the January 12, 2020 message. You can post these notes on your social platform!
Scriptures used: John 12:25; Mark 8:27-33; 1 Peter 4:13
It's a mistake to think that Christianity primarily consists of us getting something from Jesus rather than us surrendering ourselves to Jesus; to assume that Jesus is someone we can add to our life rather than someone to whom we offer our lives.
Knowing Jesus is important to knowing what's asked of us.
Ask yourself: Am I following Him because of what I think He can provide for me, or because I believe He is more valuable than life itself?
Salvation is free; it costs us nothing. But following Jesus will eventually cost you something.
“When Jesus bids a man to follow him, he bids him come and die.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“What would it have been like, in Palestine and in the wider Roman Empire, to see a crucifixion or to hear it being discussed? How difficult it is for us to grasp this! There is nothing in America today to which we could compare it. … Crucifixion was specifically designed to be the ultimate insult to personal dignity, the last word in humiliating and dehumanizing treatment. Degradation was the whole point.” Fleming Rutledge
Taking up our cross may mean that we have to give up our autonomy, our consumer mindsets, our pride, our power, our cultural respectability, our health, our wealth, our comfort.
Jesus taught his disciples that to truly follow him means following him to the cross—the ultimate denial of comfort, safety, power, and wealth.
When we take up our cross, we're never alone.
Next time we’re thinking about inconvenience, how awkward or uncomfortable something is in regards to our faith and Christian community, remember Jesus called us to take up a cross.
Reflect or meet with someone to discuss:
What does it mean to you to take up your cross?
Why is this a difficult principle for us to take hold of?
How does what Jesus did for us on the cross change the way we view the local church?
Click the image to start a new 15 day devotion in YouVersion:
In this 15-day plan, you will examine what it means to take up your cross and follow Jesus by studying scenes from his life and those of his early followers. Each day includes a Scripture, devotional reading, and questions. It can be used during Lent or at any time.