What does it mean to deny oneself and follow Jesus?

Denying oneself and following Jesus is a profound and transformative aspect of the Christian faith. It is a call that Jesus Himself extends to His disciples, and it encapsulates the essence of living a life that is fully surrendered to God. This concept is rooted in Jesus’ own words found in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 16:24-25: "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.'" Understanding and living out this call involves several layers of spiritual, emotional, and practical dimensions.

To deny oneself, in the context of Jesus’ teaching, means to renounce self-centeredness and the pursuit of personal ambitions that are contrary to God's will. It is an invitation to shift the focus from oneself to God. This does not imply that one’s desires, dreams, or individuality are inherently wrong, but rather that they must be subordinated to the greater purpose and calling that God has for each individual. This act of self-denial is not about self-rejection or self-hatred but about prioritizing God’s desires over our own.

The phrase "take up his cross" further deepens this commitment. In the first-century Roman world, the cross was a symbol of suffering, humiliation, and death. When Jesus uses this imagery, He is indicating that following Him may involve enduring hardships, persecution, and even death. The cross symbolizes the ultimate act of self-sacrifice and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Himself. In taking up our cross, we are called to embrace whatever challenges and sacrifices come our way in the pursuit of living out our faith authentically and courageously.

To follow Jesus, then, is to walk in His footsteps, to emulate His life, teachings, and example. It means adopting His values, such as love, compassion, humility, and forgiveness. Following Jesus requires a daily commitment to grow in spiritual maturity and to align our lives with His teachings. This journey is not a solitary endeavor; it is lived out in the context of a faith community where believers support, encourage, and hold each other accountable.

Several practical implications arise from this call to deny oneself and follow Jesus:

1. Surrendering Control: Denying oneself involves surrendering control over one’s life to God. This means trusting God’s plans and timing, even when they differ from our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Surrendering control is an act of faith, acknowledging that God’s wisdom and love surpass our own understanding.

2. Prioritizing God’s Kingdom: Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Denying oneself means making God’s kingdom and righteousness our primary pursuit. This involves reorienting our lives around God’s purposes, such as spreading the Gospel, serving others, and living out the values of the Kingdom.

3. Living Sacrificially: The apostle Paul exhorts believers in Romans 12:1, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Living sacrificially means offering our time, talents, and resources for God’s glory and the benefit of others. It involves making personal sacrifices for the sake of others and the advancement of God’s mission.

4. Embracing Humility: Jesus exemplified humility throughout His life and ministry. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Denying oneself involves adopting a posture of humility, recognizing our dependence on God, and valuing others above ourselves.

5. Enduring Suffering: Following Jesus may lead to suffering and persecution. Jesus warned His disciples in John 15:18-20, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you... If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." Denying oneself means being willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

6. Cultivating a Christ-like Character: Denying oneself and following Jesus involves a continual process of spiritual growth and transformation. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we deny ourselves, the Holy Spirit works within us to cultivate these Christ-like qualities.

7. Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines: Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, Bible study, and worship are essential practices that help us deny ourselves and follow Jesus. These disciplines draw us closer to God, align our hearts with His will, and empower us to live out our faith. Jesus Himself modeled these practices, often withdrawing to solitary places to pray and seeking God’s guidance through fasting and Scripture.

The journey of denying oneself and following Jesus is not easy, but it is deeply rewarding. It leads to a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment that transcends the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world. As we deny ourselves and take up our cross, we experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace, and we become instruments of His peace and justice in the world.

In the writings of Christian thinkers and theologians, this theme is echoed and expounded upon. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his classic work "The Cost of Discipleship," writes, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Bonhoeffer emphasizes that true discipleship involves a radical commitment to Christ that may require us to forsake everything else. Similarly, C.S. Lewis, in "Mere Christianity," speaks of the transformative nature of following Jesus: "Give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Lose your life and you will save it."

Ultimately, denying oneself and following Jesus is about entering into a deep and abiding relationship with God. It is about allowing God to reshape our identity, values, and priorities. It is about living in the reality of God’s kingdom here and now, and participating in His redemptive work in the world. As we respond to Jesus’ call, we discover the true meaning of life and the abundant life that He promises (John 10:10).

May we have the courage and faith to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus, trusting that in losing our lives for His sake, we will find true and eternal life.