The Cross, True Discipleship

…….. let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. (Mat 27:42)

The cross is a stumbling block and foolishness; firstly it is an open display of meekness and lowliness void of worldly pomp and glory, secondly, human understanding and reasoning resist the cross (1 Cor 1:23). The cross can be averted on these two counts. It is easy to reconcile that the cross of Christ is the entrance for our salvation, however do we believe Jesus when He says ‘the disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord’ (Matt 10:24)? Acceptance of salvation of the cross of Christ is palatable, simultaneously the pilgrims progress requires a cross bearing life.

In denying this narrow and difficult way (Matt 7:14) the devil will be our insurmountable nemesis. If the choice is to follow the cross bearing way of the Master, the devil would not be a problem (Rom 16:20). Very quickly there will be a discovery that self is the greater enemy of the salvation of our soul (Matt 16:22-26). Peter knew the cost of discipleship but desired to avert the way (as we often do), hence daring to rebuke his Lord. Denying the cross is satanic in nature which goes against every grain of the will of God (Matt 16:23).

In order for the manifestation of life of the Son of God, the old man has to be put to death. Remove the filth that the Holy can be poured in. The old man and its lustful appetites wars against Christ nature, how can the two mix and find its homogeneous form? The Christian life is black or white, not gray.

Salvation is free. The cost of discipleship is high. It will cost us everything in exchange for son-ship (Php 3:8).