In addressing the question of what Jesus said about giving up, it’s essential to explore the concept from a biblical perspective, particularly focusing on the notion of self-denial and carrying one’s cross as a disciple of Christ. A pivotal passage is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus outlines the cost of discipleship:
“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) .
Three main takeaways from this passage are:
- The Call to Self-denial: Jesus emphasizes that following Him requires a willingness to deny oneself. This self-denial is about prioritizing God’s will over personal desires and comforts. It’s a call to let go of selfish ambitions and instead seek to live in alignment with God’s purposes.
- Bearing One’s Cross: Taking up one’s cross is a metaphor for the trials, sufferings, and sacrifices associated with being a disciple of Jesus. This imagery speaks to the reality that following Jesus may lead to hardships and opposition, but these are to be borne with perseverance and faith.
- The Paradox of Losing and Finding Life: Jesus presents a paradoxical truth that those who seek to preserve their life and its comforts at any cost will ultimately lose it, while those who are willing to lose their life for His sake will find true life. This teaching underscores the eternal perspective that values spiritual over temporal gains, highlighting the ultimate futility of worldly pursuits in comparison to the value of one’s soul.
These principles underscore a profound spiritual truth within Christianity—that the path to true life and salvation lies not in clinging to one’s life and comforts but in willing submission to God’s will, even when it entails hardship or sacrifice.
