Teaching | The Cross: Self-Denial in an Age of Self-Fulfillment | Practicing the Way Vision Series E11 (From the Archive)
Summary
John Mark Comer delves into Luke 9, contrasting Jesus' invitation to self-denial with modern society's pursuit of personal satisfaction. He clarifies that taking up the cross means a daily, metaphorical death to selfish desires, including those that may seem good but are not God's call. The episode highlights the conflict between the gospel of "Jesus is Lord" and Western anti-authoritarianism, emphasizing that while discipleship has a cost, the reward of true life and happiness in God is far greater than what is given up.Episode description
What does it mean to follow Jesus in a culture obsessed with self-fulfillment? John Mark explores Jesus’ words in Luke 9, where He calls His disciples to “take up your cross and follow me.” Contrasting the way of self-denial at the heart of apprenticeship to Jesus with the modern pursuit of personal satisfaction, John Mark encourages us to embrace the cruciform life that leads to our deepest satisfaction in God.
Key Scripture Passages: Luke 9v18-24; Galatians 5v16-24; Luke 9v57-62; Luke 14v25-33; Luke 18v18-23; Matthew 13v44
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