The Cross

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

Matthew 16:24-26

Oftentimes, before reading the Word, I say this simple prayer. “Holy Spirit, help me understand this word.” This is my hope for us as we dive into Matthew 16:24-26 together: that the Spirit of God would illuminate our eyes with an understanding of the scriptures and that we may see the heart of God in every word. 

This portion of scripture in the gospel of Matthew is not always easy to comprehend. To lose your life is to find it? What does that mean? The disciples who followed Jesus as He walked the earth had many of the same questions. In John 6, some of Jesus’ followers responded to his teaching with this…”On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” If you’ve ever read something in the Word of God and had questions, you’re in good company. 

Questions are an invitation. They draw a hungry person into deeper fellowship with God; as you seek Him and seek answers, you find Him. So, let’s ponder this question. What does Jesus mean in Matthew 16:24-26? The first place we must go to and learn from is the cross. 

Jesus, fully God and fully man, came from heaven to earth. Born of a virgin, He was crucified on a tree as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Three days after His death, He rose and revealed Himself to many. He ascended to the Father's right hand, where He makes constant intercession for us. Those who believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life will not perish but have everlasting life. By His body and blood shed on the cross, He made atonement for sin and therefore reconciled those who deserved wrath to be at peace with God; that we may be called Sons and daughters of the most High. This is good news! 

Jesus lost His life on the cross so that we would find our life in Him. He died for us and in place of us and invited us into this lifestyle. Due to the fallen nature of humanity, we have this ugly thing called the flesh. The flesh is in direct opposition to the will and nature of God due to sin. Operating in the will of the flesh (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) leads to death. But, operating in the spirit (the new life, joined with Christ Jesus) is LIFE and life more abundantly. 

So, how do we practically live out Matthew 16:24-26? When we surrender our lives, agendas, hearts, minds, souls, and strength moment by moment to the Lord Jesus, that is called “dying to self.” As a result of this constant decision, we experience and taste the true life that is found when we come ALIVE in Christ Jesus. The more we know Him, the more we desire to be like Him. This takes intentionality in setting time apart to seek the Lord in prayer, worship, scripture reading, gathering of the body of Christ, etc. 

In a world that glamorizes self-promotion, fame, raises, and followers…Jesus says, "Abandon this thinking and instead follow me." We need to ask a real and raw question right now: Do we genuinely believe that forsaking all to follow Jesus is worth it? 

As a sports industry professional, athlete, etc., you’re faced with two roads. One road is the way of the world, which preaches “do everything and anything you can to gain worldly success…no matter the cost. Another road (the one less traveled) says, “Surrender control…your striving, expectations, plans and seek first the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33) 

Let me tell you something…Standing before the Lord Jesus, you won’t wonder, ‘Did I have enough worldly recognition? Did every dream come to fruition? Did I have a big enough influence?” No earthly title, resume, or high-profile job will get you deeper into the throne room. Oh no, only the blood of Jesus. Instead, while you’re at the gate of eternity, you will be asked, “What did you do with my Son.” 

He’s worth it. 

Jesus is your best Friend. He is your Husband. He is your Lord, Master, Maker, King. He is holiness, the essence of God personified. He is the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega. He is more than we can comprehend. In His Spirit is life, joy, peace, righteousness. That longing in your heart that you have right now…He’s got the answer for it. He’s the solution. He’s the most faithful and loving and HOLY ONE. The best part? He’s longing for you. He desires all of you. 

Right now, you have a choice. Continue to strive and chase after the things of this world…or surrender. Give every ambition over to Jesus. Spend time with Him and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus. Watch Him turn every want, concern, need, and desire into greater intimacy, knowledge, and revelation of Jesus. 

Prayer: Lord, I choose you. Right now, I pick up my cross. I desire to be where you are, to live how you lived…No matter the cost. You are worthy because there is no life, only death without you. I choose LIFE found in Jesus. Keep me close to the cross. Teach me to delight in your ways and rejoice in the freedom of losing my life to find it. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

---

If you would like to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group, or get involved with our ministries, tap the link here!