12:25
Jesus then expands this principle to the disciples. Following Jesus is not a glorious road in any worldly sense. It will lead to ultimate glory, but first it takes us along a road that may involve much suffering. So if preserving our life is our number one goal we have missed the point. Moreover, rather than saving our life, we will actually lose it. If, on the other hand, we are prepared to lose our life, then we will keep it for eternal life.
12:26
This verse sums up what discipleship means. It means following Jesus, and following Jesus means being where He is, going along the same road that He went along. It involves suffering with Christ. We follow Him as His servants. So why should anyone choose to follow such a road? It is because the Father will honour the one who Honours Christ.
We need to take these words of Jesus very seriously. We do also need to bear in mind that they are not meant to give the whole story. Following Jesus is not a life of never-ending misery! Far from it, but there will be times when there is a price to pay, for some this may even include the ultimate price.
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