Three times in this chapter Jesus makes a comment about discipleship. He is clear in what He is saying. Three times He uses the strongest of terms to make it clear what it means to follow Him. He said, "If you don't do this, you cannot be my disciple". Do you think these things only applied to Jesus' day? Wouldn't these truths still apply today?
The first discipleship quality is a supreme love for Jesus. He even goes so far at to compare that love for Him with the opposite (hate) for others. In Matthew Jesus said, "If you love anyone more than me, you are not worthy to be my disciple." We know that the first quality of discipleship is love for God. How does your love for God compare to the love you have for others?
Secondly, Jesus talks about "carrying your own cross" and "following Him". He said that if one is not willing to die to himself and truly pursue Jesus, he cannot be a disciple. Following Jesus demands that we turn from our own agenda and begin to follow His.
Finally, Jesus talks about our stuff. He leaves no doubt that everything that we consider "ours" is no longer to be thought of that way. In fact, He demands that we "give up" our ownership over those possessions and begin to use them to honor Him.
How are you doing on the discipleship test! One out of three? Two out of three? Do you think Jesus was making a joke? Can we actually assume if we are not doing any of these things that we are true disciples? I think not.
Live it.
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