graphic: Martha G. Brady
Then Jesus told his disciples,
“If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake
will find it.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world
and forfeits his soul?
Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Matthew 16:24-26
This is the upside-down economy of Jesus! No wonder the legalistic Pharisees hated Him. They wanted a neat list of rules to follow. It might have made for a dull life, but they could feel good about themselves.
“We are doing the right things.”
“We are on the right path.”
“We are better than everyone else!”
Jesus’ message turned their world upside-down! Lose your life (and its values) for me…and you will save your life!
Of course the Pharisees hated Jesus! If He was who He said He was, they and their lifestyles were going to have to change dramatically!
If He was who He said He was (and they hoped He wasn’t) their whole way of life was over…and it was the wrong way to go!
They would no longer be able to hide behind their religious rules and ignore the poor and suffering.
They would no longer be able to walk through the crowds in their beautiful robes, strutting pompously…knowing they were better than all the others. They would need to take on true humility, even bending low to care for some of these dirty, unclean people.
The thought was too repulsive for most of them to even consider. So they saved their physical lives and killed Jesus.
The thought was too repulsive for them to even consider. So they saved their physical lives and killed Jesus. Share on XIn what ways do you identify with the Pharisees and find Jesus’ sayings difficult?
Start concretely working through these with Jesus…Confessing them, Asking Him to change your heart, Asking Him to show you where to change your lifestyle.
This was first published 3/30/14 with the verse only at the Sunday Community. I changed the title and wrote an article to go with it (the SEO was all wrong). Then decided to share it today with #GiveMeGrace the community that is the outgrowth of the old group:)
I often think about what I’m gaining in return for my soul…particularly if I choose to do something rather than spend time with Jesus. And I ask myself if it will be worth it in the end. And sometimes the thought makes me choose differently…and sometimes it doesn’t. Grateful for grace and second chances today. Happy Sunday, Martha!
happy sunday to you holly:) it is interesting to think about isn’t it? just think. next week at this time, our long anticipated retreat will be over. a little sad isn’t it? 🙁
Great photo, great thinking, great Word. Really liked this!!
thanks joanne, glad you stopped by:)
The last line gets me every time. This is truth, made plain…Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? A question every person should ponder. Have a great week Martha!
what was it about His questions Lisha? they got right to the heart didn’t they? that passage is one that haunts me often!
A good verse to meditate on.
Blessings
thanks for stopping by carol. i enjoyed reading some of your recent posts, especially the one before today about the birth of your new grand.
of course, today’s post was great too:) enjoy your Sunday as you worship.