If You Are Going To Follow Jesus, You Can't Take Your Eyes Off Of Him

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross [daily] and follow me. — Matthew 16:24

There is a danger that we learn to “rattle off” verses, perhaps secretly “smug” with the fact that we know them, but don’t stop to consider what they mean.  Not considering that we should actually apply them to our lives.  For example, consider your cross in the context of Jesus' cross.  His Cross was the will of the Father, the very reason Jesus came to this earth to begin with.  I just watched a Tim Tebow clip on Facebook where he was talking about painting John 3:16 on his face when he was quarterback at the University of Florida.  John 3:16.  God sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins.  He sent Jesus to be crucified.  Jesus laid down everything in Heaven to sacrifice Himself for us.  

No greater love has one man than this, but to lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

So what do you imagine picking up your cross entails?  To do the will of the Father means that we must obey Him, even when it costs us something, maybe everything.  And it will.  Following Jesus means that our value system must change.  Are you more concerned about the balance in your 401K than the fact that your heart might not be OK with God?  I think many people are afraid that God will ask them to abandon what they treasure.  Guess what, He already has.  Following Jesus means to choose the Father.  The challenge is to be willing to distance ourselves from the things that we had wrapped ourselves up in  - house, car, job, etc. – those things are normal - reasonable -  responsible - parts of the earthly, secular life, but can prove to be stumbling blocks as we follow Jesus. Consider Paul’s encouragement to us.

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  – Hebrews 12:1-3

The key to success is fixing your eyes on Jesus, like Peter had to do as he sank into the sea.  If you are going to follow Jesus you have to look to Jesus.  Have you ever followed someone in a crowd of people?  It can be a challenge.  If you lose sight of that person, you may feel a little panic – your heart rate increases – you become anxious.  Is that how you feel about Jesus?  It should be.  Jesus did not say pick up your cross – and then do your own thing.  He added, follow Me.  If you don’t do both, you can’t be His disciple.  You will certainly be saved, but you will not be living the life God intended.  Your life will not reflect Jesus.

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. – Isaiah 64:6

You can’t live your new life on your own on your own. Your effort was not good enough before your new birth and it’s not good enough now.  Lay it down and pick up your cross .. then follow Jesus in obedience to the will of God and His glory.