Follow Me
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
In this call to follow, Jesus tells His disciples (and anyone who is to follow Him) that they are to ‘deny themselves’ and ‘take up their crosses.’
What does it mean to deny oneself? Simply put, this is placing our personal wants and desires last. Our love for Jesus and for our neighbor is to come ahead of love for ourselves. This is the essence of what following Jesus looks like in our daily lives. Jesus says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
What does it mean to ‘take up our cross’? For some of the disciples to whom these words were spoken directly, this may have literally meant that they would need to be prepared to suffer crucifixion as a result of following Jesus. Clearly, not everyone who follows Jesus will be subject to this gruesome fate. But, all followers of Jesus can expect lesser trials and difficulties because of their allegiance to Him. Elsewhere we are told, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). And, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20). Also, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) It is a guarantee: following Jesus will cause earthly hardships for Christians. When these sufferings come, may we have the attitude of Peter and the apostles in Acts 5:41 who “rejoic[ed] that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
Come, follow me, the Savior spake,
All in My way abiding;
Deny yourselves, the world forsake,
Obey My call and guiding.
Oh, bear the cross, whate'er betide,
Take my example for your guide.
The Lutheran Hymnal 421: 1