In our culture of instant gratification and comfort-seeking, Jesus's call to discipleship stands in stark contrast. Today, we'll explore what Jesus actually asks of those who would follow Him, and what He promises in return.
Luke 9:23-25 "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own soul?"
There's a temptation in many churches today to present a watered-down gospel: "Believe in Jesus and find your best life now." But Jesus was never interested in bait-and-switch tactics or hiding the fine print.
Look at His words again: "Deny yourself. Take up your cross daily. Follow me." This isn't a momentary decision but a sustained, continuous relationship. It's not just signing a card, raising a hand, or walking an aisle - it's a daily commitment to die to yourself and live for Christ.
Then Jesus asks this piercing question: "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?" Think about how true this is of so many people in your life - the whole world at their fingertips. Notoriety. Fame. Recognition. Wealth.
What does it profit you if you have all of that and lose your soul? What's the answer? Nothing. It profits you nothing.
This isn't just a hypothetical question. It's an invitation to take inventory of what you're really pursuing. Are you chasing after the things this world tells you will bring fulfillment, only to discover they leave you empty? Or are you pursuing the only thing that truly satisfies—knowing your Creator?
But here's the beautiful paradox: Jesus doesn't just promise sacrifice and loss. He promises something far greater in return. He promises eternal life. And not just quantity of life, but quality of life. Jesus says in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Jesus has replaced the fleeting treasures of this world with the eternal treasure of knowing your Creator. And that's not just a future promise—it begins now. The abundant life Jesus offers is available today, not just when we die.
So many people approach Christianity like it's a heavenly fire insurance policy—something to ensure they don't go to hell when they die. But Jesus isn't just offering an escape from judgment; He's offering a whole new way to live right now. A life of purpose, meaning, and joy that can't be found in any of the world's substitutes.
Yes, following Jesus costs everything. But what you receive in return is infinitely more valuable than what you give up. As Jim Elliot famously said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Jesus doesn't hide the cost, but He also doesn't hide the reward. The question is: are you willing to count that cost? Are you willing to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him? Are you willing to lose your life for His sake?
Because when you do, you discover what it truly means to live.
What aspects of "denying yourself" do you find most challenging in your walk with Christ?
Where in your life might you be trying to "gain the world" at the expense of your soul?
How has following Jesus brought you greater abundance and joy than the things you've had to give up?
Stay dialed in,
Jonny Ardavanis