What did Jesus say about Following Him

Following Jesus, according to the Bible, involves several key themes and teachings directly from Jesus himself. Here are some relevant verses and three main takeaways:

1. Luke 9:23-24: “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'” .
2. Matthew 16:24-26: “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?'”【9†source】.
3. Luke 9:57-60: “As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'” .

Three Main Takeaways:

1. Denial of Self: Following Jesus requires a willingness to deny oneself, meaning letting go of one’s own desires, comforts, and plans, to embrace what Jesus calls one to do. This self-denial is a daily commitment that involves sacrifices but leads to a deeper relationship with Him.
2. Carry the Cross Daily: The call to take up one’s cross daily implies a readiness to face hardships, persecution, and suffering for being a disciple of Jesus. It signifies a life dedicated to serving and obeying Jesus, regardless of the cost.
3. Eternal Perspective Over Worldly Gain: Jesus emphasizes the value of eternal life over worldly possessions and achievements. The true measure of life is not found in what one accumulates or achieves on earth but in one’s relationship with Jesus and the eternal life He offers.