Friday, August 28, 2026

Matthew 16:24-25 

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”  

These back-to-back sentences of Jesus fit together. First, there is: 

“Denying oneself” = “taking up one’s cross” = “losing one’s life”.  

“Losing one’s life” requires a reboot. Those who can’t break free from the illusion that this life is all there is, end up striving after the wrong things and end up losing what life is really all about. 

The second piece of Jesus’ message dovetails nicely into the first: 

 “Follow me” = “lose your life for my sake”. 

Life is not just about turning away from stuff that doesn’t last but also turning towards the One who is life. None of us would have the courage to “lose our lives” if there wasn’t something much better to embrace. That something better is someone better: Jesus. His love for us goes beyond what words can express. And when we trust that his love won’t let us go, even in spite of who we are, then we find the courage to “deny ourselves” and “follow him.” 

– Pr. Paul

Lord Jesus, help me remember all the times you proved your love for me… all the times when I got way more grace than I deserved. Then breathe into me the courage to let go of my fears and embrace you. Amen.