No Turning Back
The charge to take up our cross cannot possibly hold the same feelings as would have been felt by the disciples when Jesus first said the words. On the heels of declaring clearly, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised,” he turns the tables on his followers. Not only would he be killed, but they too must suffer. I can only imagine what these men who dreamed of earthly thrones and glory felt upon hearing this proclamation.
We must remember that the cross held none of the love and glory we now associate with it. This is before Jesus transformed Rome’s most cruel torture devise into a symbol of redemption. Only a condemned man would pick up the heavy beam which symbolized his death. David Guzik (2022) noted, “If someone took up his cross, he never came back. It was a one-way journey.” We don’t have any feeling like it in our society today. Human rights would never allow such vile torture to be sanctioned. I don’t know if I can completely understand the gravity of Jesus’ words. Following him is a complete commitment. There can be no turning back. In the world’s eyes, we stand condemned by our faith.
Jesus’ words were not merely for the twelve men who stood around him. He made a point of clarifying that “anyone” and “whoever” would come after him must surrender his life and his will. That includes you and me. There can be no turning back. In fact, Jesus pairs this command to commit, even unto death, with a warning. Verse 26 tells us, “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 of the holy angels.” Our faith requires complete commitment.
When Matthew Henry spoke of this chapter, he compared the cross to a life of self-denial (1996). There will undoubtably be challenges which arise daily. None of us live a secluded life with no temptations and no struggles. In all these situations, we must choose the road of Christ over the desires of our own minds. The role of a Christian was never founded on ease and comfort. We may wish it were. I understand the allure of those churches that preach “name it and claim it” philosophies. The ‘prosperity gospel’ has great appeal but no foundation in truth. God does pour out His blessings on His children, but often these come alongside struggles or trials. The blessings we find in the hard times are the ones which remind us of His unfailing love. The truth of Christ’s teaching can be plainly seen in today’s reading. He expects and requires his followers to commit to him no matter the path they find themselves on. Enjoy the good times and remain determinedly faithful in the difficult seasons. While we may experience rewards in this life, our true prize awaits us in eternity. For us, there can be no turning back.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
Guzik, D. (6/2022). Study Guide for Luke 9 by David Guzik. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/luke/luke-9.cfm
Henry, M. (1 Mar, 1996). Commentary on Luke 9 by Matthew Henry. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Luk/Luk_009.cfm
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