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Chapter Two
The cross is not a piece of jewelry we wear. In the time of Christ, the cross was an instrument of torture, suffering and execution. Condemned criminals suffered an excruciating death preceded by scourging, public ridicule and deprivation of food and water. Criminals hung on the cross for days. The usual cause of death was asphyxiation — the lack of oxygen, like drowning.
Jesus used the cross to teach many truths about following Him as a disciple. What He taught, He Himself went through. He carried His own cross. So, as we examine His call to discipleship by carrying the cross, let us ask the Holy Spirit to teach us what it personally means to each one of us. We will discover that it is not just an icon of death, it is also an icon for life, choice, love, endurance, and many other great blessings.
What Jesus accomplished by Carrying the Cross
The cross is not just about death, it is about life. Jesus went to His death by carrying the cross. Note the various blessings which came because Jesus carried His cross.
Why did Jesus die on the cross and what did His death accomplish? (1 Peter 2:24)
NOTE ‘tree’ refers to the wooden cross; see also Galatians 3:13.
What did Jesus’ suffering do for people’s spiritual condition? (Hebrews 13:12)
The prophet Isaiah prophesied about a coming Saviour (fulfilled in Christ) who will suffer for sin on behalf of man. What did Christ’s sufferings and death accomplish? (Isaiah 53:4-6)
The Cost of Discipleship
When Jesus gave the calls to the disciples to carry the cross, He had yet to carry His own cross. Thus, Jesus must have in mind the immediate applications of the cross to the lives of the disciples.
From the following verses, we can identify some of the immediate applications for the disciples and for us today.
From Matthew 10:37-39, in what areas of life are disciples called to surrender to Jesus?
Matthew 10:37
Matthew 10:38-39
In Mark 8:34-38, what issues are disciples to settle regarding the world around us?
Mark 8:34
Mark 8:38
In Luke 9:23, how often must a disciple surrender himself?
In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus called those who wanted to be His disciples to count wisely before deciding to follow Him. What new area different from previously mentioned issues does Jesus include? (Luke 14:33)
“The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every man must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of this world. It is that dying of the old man which is the result of his encounter with Christ. As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death — we give over our lives to death. Thus it begins; the cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ.”
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “The Cost of Discipleship” (1959), pg 89-90
Potential Hindrances
Disciples may encounter stumbling blocks and hindrances which they find difficult to overcome. Some may start well but may not end well. Here are two examples.
In John 6:59-61, some of Jesus’ disciples left Jesus. What was the issue about?
Are there difficult doctrines or Biblical truths which you think could be hard for you to accept? What are they?
Demas was a disciple who joined Apostle Paul’s missionary team. In Philemon 23-24, Paul called him a fellow worker along with Mark, Luke, and Aristarchus. But a few years later, in 2 Timothy 4:10, he deserted Paul. What was the issue?
Everyday Discipleship
Jesus taught that discipleship meant one must ‘take up his cross daily’. This meant that discipleship is an everyday matter, not just for the big events or major situations, or for Sundays only. The following Scriptures will give an idea of how to follow Jesus in the stuff of everyday life.
What is more important than essentials like food and clothing (in the context of Matthew 6:25-32)? (Matthew 6:33)
How should disciples use their resources? Give a few practical ways. (Matthew 6:19-20)
How should disciples do their daily work? (Colossians 3:17, 23-24)
How should disciples’ lives be lived in their neighbourhoods and in society? (1 Peter 2:12)
What is our responsibility for the needs of family members? (1 Timothy 5:8)
What was the secret of the impact that unschooled ordinary men had among the religious leaders? (Acts 4:13)
“To be a disciple is to be committed to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and committed to following Him every day. To be a disciple is also to be disciplined in our bodies, minds and souls.”
—Billy Graham
Reflection
Some people find it helpful to have a regular check list to remind themselves of the practical elements of everyday discipleship. Here is a suggested list for your periodic reflection.
Tick the elements of everyday discipleship you can affirm:
Review the chapter. What is the most significant thing you have learned about discipleship?
“Discipleship is not an option. Jesus says that if anyone would come after me, he must follow me.”
—Tim Keller, “The Call to Discipleship”
https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/the-call-to-discipleship/