Don't Bear a Cross and Cannot Be Jesus' Disciple - Luke 14:27

Luke the beloved physician wrote about Jesus, “there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple”, and in chapter fourteen and verse twenty-seven of his book Luke shared how Jesus says, “whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” Jesus, where we read:

And whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

The verse reads, “And whosoever does not bear his cross, ...” Luke began with the words, “and whosoever” or “and whatever person whether male or female” “does not bear his cross” which means “does not carry, bear, uphold or support their own well known instrument of most cruel and ignominious punishment, borrowed by the Greeks and Romans from the Phoenician”. Luke shared how Jesus said whatever person does not “bear and carry” their own personal “cross” will have the following result.

The verse continues, “... and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke added words, “and come after me” or “and arise, appear and come forth to Jesus”, “cannot be my disciple” which means “is unable and incapable of being a student, learner, pupil and attendant”. Luke shared how Jesus said anyone who does not “come forth” to Jesus while bearing his “cross” will be unable to be Jesus' “student and attendant”.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn another “sacrifice” that must be made to be a “disciple” of Jesus. Everyone who desires to be a Jesus “follower” must bear their own “cross” which incurs the idea of “dying to themselves” and “come after” Jesus. In other words, they must “die” to their own passions and desires and follow Jesus. God knows what is best for mankind, and He sent Jesus so they would have “abundant life”. (See John 10:10) Those who are wise will carefully think about what Jesus requires of His followers and understand that He knows how to provide them with life that is unattainable without Him.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first” Jesus, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".