Lose Your Life: A Journey Through Denying Self, Carrying the Cross, and Following Jesus

Pastor Reed Sowell

In the journey of faith, one of the most profound and challenging teachings of Jesus is His call to "lose your life" to truly find it. This concept, central to His message, invites believers to a life of self-denial, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to following Him. The teaching is not just a call to action but a pathway to experiencing the fullness of life as intended by God. Let's delve into what it means to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus.

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The Paradox of Losing to Find

The idea that one must lose their life to find it is a paradox that lies at the heart of Christian discipleship. It challenges the cultural norms of self-preservation and self-fulfillment that dominate much of the Western worldview. Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT) serve as the foundation for this teaching:

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?’”

This passage speaks to the essence of what it means to follow Jesus. It’s not about the pursuit of personal gain, but rather, the willingness to surrender everything for the sake of Christ. This teaching stands in stark contrast to the messages of self-love and self-advancement that are prevalent today. Instead, Jesus calls us to a life of self-denial, where true life is found not in gaining the world but in giving ourselves fully to Him.

Deny Yourself: The Call to a Counter-Cultural Life

Self-denial is not a concept that sits comfortably in a world that encourages indulgence and self-gratification. We live in a culture where more is often equated with better. Whether it’s the endless options in the grocery store, the pursuit of material wealth, or the quest for personal success, the message is clear: satisfy your desires, and you will find happiness.

But Jesus flips this idea on its head. He calls His followers to deny themselves, to resist the urge to indulge in every desire, and instead, to live a life that is radically different from the world around them. This is not an easy path. Self-denial requires discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to go against the grain of societal norms.

Think of Olympic athletes who dedicate their lives to training, often denying themselves the pleasures and comforts that others take for granted. Their goal is clear, and their discipline is unwavering. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to deny ourselves for the sake of a greater goal—eternal life with Christ.

This self-denial is not about deprivation for its own sake. It’s about recognizing that we were made for something more than the fleeting pleasures of this world. It’s about choosing the eternal over the temporal, the spiritual over the material. It’s about making Jesus the Lord of our lives, not just in name, but in every decision we make, every desire we pursue, and every aspect of our lives.

Take Up Your Cross: Embracing Suffering as a Path to Glory

When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, He is inviting us to embrace the suffering and hardships that come with following Him. The cross, a symbol of suffering and shame, was the instrument of Jesus’ own death. Yet, through His suffering, Jesus brought life and hope to the world.

In the same way, the crosses we bear—whether they be struggles, challenges, or persecutions—are not signs of failure but opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. Jesus’ journey to Calvary was marked by immense physical and emotional pain, yet He endured it all because He knew it was necessary for the salvation of humanity.

For us, taking up our cross means accepting the difficulties that come our way as part of our journey with Christ. It means not shying away from challenges but facing them with courage, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. It means trusting that, through our suffering, God is refining us, shaping us into the image of His Son.

There’s a cost to discipleship, and it’s one that involves our entire lives. But the reward is incomparable—a life lived in the fullness of God’s presence, both now and for eternity.

Follow Jesus: More Than Just a Sunday Commitment

To follow Jesus is to make Him the central focus of our lives. It’s more than just attending church on Sundays or calling ourselves Christians. It’s about living in a way that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus in every aspect of our lives.

This kind of following demands a deep commitment. It means that our decisions, our actions, and our priorities are all aligned with the will of God. It means that when faced with a choice, we ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” and then act accordingly.

Following Jesus also means being willing to go where He leads, even if it’s uncomfortable or requires sacrifice. It means being open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and being ready to act in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.

If someone were to examine your life, would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a follower of Jesus? Is your faith evident in your actions, your words, and your relationships? Or is it something that only shows up on Sundays?

Following Jesus is a daily commitment. It’s about being consistent in our walk with Him, allowing His Word to shape our thoughts and actions, and living in a way that brings glory to God.

Lose Your Life to Find It: The Paradox of True Fulfillment

Jesus’ teaching that we must lose our life to find it is a paradox that challenges our understanding of success and fulfillment. In a world that tells us to pursue our dreams, to achieve our goals, and to prioritize our own happiness, Jesus invites us to a different kind of life—a life of surrender, sacrifice, and service.

This paradox is beautifully illustrated in the lives of many who have gone before us, who chose to lose their lives in order to gain something far greater. Consider the story of Adoniram Judson, the first American missionary to Burma. Judson and his wife, Ann, sacrificed the comforts of home and endured immense hardships in order to bring the Gospel to the Burmese people. Their lives were marked by suffering, but also by a deep and abiding faith that bore much fruit.

Or think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who stood against the Nazi regime and ultimately gave his life for his convictions. Bonhoeffer understood that following Jesus meant standing up for truth and justice, even at great personal cost. His writings, particularly "The Cost of Discipleship," continue to inspire and challenge Christians today.

These stories remind us that true life is found not in preserving our own comfort or pursuing our own desires, but in surrendering our lives to Jesus and living for His glory. It’s a life that may involve sacrifice, but it’s also a life that is rich in meaning, purpose, and eternal significance.

Don’t Forfeit Your Soul: The Eternal Perspective

As Jesus warns in Matthew 16:26, what good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul? This is a sobering reminder that the things of this world—wealth, power, fame, and pleasure—are temporary and ultimately unfulfilling. They may bring momentary satisfaction, but they cannot compare to the eternal joy of knowing Jesus and living in His presence.

Our souls are of infinite value, and nothing in this world is worth losing them for. The pursuit of worldly success and material wealth may seem enticing, but it can never satisfy the deep longing of our hearts. That longing can only be fulfilled by God, who created us for a relationship with Him.

So, as we navigate the challenges and temptations of this life, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us choose to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, knowing that in losing our lives for His sake, we will find true life—both now and forever.

Further Reading

• The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Explore the profound insights of Dietrich Bonhoeffer on what it truly means to follow Christ in the face of adversity.

• Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman: A challenge to move beyond being a fan of Jesus to becoming a fully committed follower.

Other Links

• Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, "Returning to Your First Love," here.

• Looking for more resources? Visit our Resources Page for Bible studies, videos, and more to help you grow in your faith.