Following Jesus Toward the Cross

Some churches call this season Lent – a 6-week period leading up to Palm Sunday, Jesus last supper with the disciples, his suffering and death on the cross, and Easter.  We note that time in each of the New Testament Gospels when Jesus turned and began leading his followers toward Jerusalem and the cross.  Jesus began speaking of his upcoming suffering and death (Mark 8: 31-33).  Jesus’ teaching also changed to describe the costs of following Him and the expected sacrifices.  He said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…” (Mark 8: 34-36) 

Lent is a time to evaluate one’s faith, to renew our calling and identity from where it came – the upper room, Gethsemane’s garden, Pilate’s seat, a crown of thorns, Calvary’s cross, and the empty tomb.  It’s an annual journey to re-anchor our faith, hope, and love in the triune God revealed in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

A disciple is one who disciplines oneself in his/her following the Master.  Some practice spiritual disciplines such as fasting, meditation, service, study, submission, or sacrificial giving.  Such disciplines are seen as ways to deepen our relationship with God, but not as ways to earn God’s favor or our eternal salvation.  Too many church members seem to be along for the ride into Jerusalem, but unwilling to practice disciplines in our journey with the Master.  We want the benefits of Jesus, but not the sacrifices.  We’re like those who cheered for Jesus on Palm Sunday, but ran away when He was arrested and suffered and died on the cross. 

These weeks leading up to Palm Sunday are an opportunity for us to practice our faith and deepen our relationship with the Master through spiritual disciplines.  Choose as fasting, meditation, service, study, submission, or sacrificial giving.  Look it up in a Bible dictionary or Bible concordance.  Google it.  Ask your pastor for something to read about these or for guidance on practicing these disciplines during these weeks.

Pray over your schedule for the days to come.  Perhaps you know someone who’d practice these spiritual disciplines with you in these weeks.  If you do not have a church home, seek a church family or small faith group in your community.   Let us follow the Master toward the cross.  

If you want to discover more about following Jesus toward the Cross, read Luke 9: 57-62, Luke 12: 13-21, and/or Luke 13: 22-34.  If you don't have a Bible, google any of those Scripture references, to read it online.   Here's a link to Luke 9: 57-62 - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A57-62&version=NIV   Follow the Master by reading God's Word in the Bible.