When “Follow Me” Seems Like Bad News

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

I have to admit that sometimes those words seem like bad news. Who really wants to deny himself? And who lets himself be crucified, especially when he’s done nothing wrong? Instead of bearing the cross of Christ, the temptation is to complain of even the pettiest injustices.

So yes, sometimes Jesus' words seem like bad news. But the truth is that they are wonderfully good news. Why? Because it is Jesus speaking them. If it were Oprah speaking, or the Buddha, or even Moses or the apostle Paul, then yes, those words would be hollow. Oprah is not Lord, the Buddha bit the dust a long time ago, and even Moses and Paul were not crucified for my sins or raised for my justification.

But the words “follow Me” are good news because it is Jesus speaking, the One who has overcome sin and death. Even though they look like nothing more than self-denial and death to the eyes of my flesh, with the eyes of faith I see that they're the words of eternal life.

Anyone who has ever believed in the Speaker knows that this is true. They know that when they deny themselves for Christ, they find their true self; when they are crucified (even and especially unjustly crucified) with Him, they are raised with Him.

Those who believe that God exalts the humble and gives life to the dead – those who believe in Christ – are free to actually glory in the midst of their tribulations. Because their hope is not a worldly hope, they can say, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

In the face of self-denial and, yes, even in the face of death, those with Christ as Lord can hear his voice: “It is I; do not be afraid.” (John 6:20) And so the fear of death drops away. It is simply unnecessary to fear, for Christ has overcome death so “that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)

So it’s worth asking again: Who sees goodness in self-denial and cross-bearing? Who rejoices in tribulation and knows that it’s okay to die? The answer: he who believes. And because this is so, when Jesus’ words – deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me – look like bad news, we ought to be reminded that it is Jesus speaking. He is Lord; He has been raised; and sin and death no longer have dominion over us. (Romans 8:2)

And then we ought to pray: “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)