'Redemptional Wisdom' - Matthew 16:24-26

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"

—Matthew 16:24-26 NLT

Key Thought​

Up is down. Down is up. The high cost is cheap. The cheap cost is high. First will be last. Last will be first. The least will be greatest. Jesus preached an upside down Kingdom. In many ways, his values are against "conventional wisdom." Instead, Jesus teaches a "redemptional wisdom" — a wisdom that calls us to surrender our lives to the will of God, live for him, and serve others. It is in giving up our lives for something and someone greater that we truly find life.

There are so many things we can invest our lives in that ultimately become our masters. The harder we work to attain them, the more we find we have lost that vital essence of living that is God's gift to us.

The radical example and call of Jesus is to follow him in laying down our lives to honor God and redeem others — there are no short-cuts. The cross casts its shadow over all of us.

Today's Prayer​

Holy God, you are worthy of my life. Of all the competing voices vying for my time, attention, and money, you alone have shown a sacrificial love to redeem me. I trust your truth for my guide. As I seek to surrender to your will, please empower me to live with courage and conviction in a world which often hates and ridicules you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• John 12:23-26
• Revelation 12:10-11
• Revelation 2:11

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Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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[Gabrielle]

Thank you Jesus for the revelation that comes from heaven. Deny ourselves, take our cross and follow You all the way to heaven. Open our hearts, minds and soul to understand clearly Your word. We love You, we praise you, we adore You now and forever more. Amen

 

[Dolliet]

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"

—Matthew 16:24-26 NLT

Key Thought​

Up is down. Down is up. The high cost is cheap. The cheap cost is high. First will be last. Last will be first. The least will be greatest. Jesus preached an upside down Kingdom. In many ways, his values are against "conventional wisdom." Instead, Jesus teaches a "redemptional wisdom" — a wisdom that calls us to surrender our lives to the will of God, live for him, and serve others. It is in giving up our lives for something and someone greater that we truly find life.

There are so many things we can invest our lives in that ultimately become our masters. The harder we work to attain them, the more we find we have lost that vital essence of living that is God's gift to us.

The radical example and call of Jesus is to follow him in laying down our lives to honor God and redeem others — there are no short-cuts. The cross casts its shadow over all of us.

Today's Prayer​

Holy God, you are worthy of my life. Of all the competing voices vying for my time, attention, and money, you alone have shown a sacrificial love to redeem me. I trust your truth for my guide. As I seek to surrender to your will, please empower me to live with courage and conviction in a world which often hates and ridicules you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• John 12:23-26
• Revelation 12:10-11
• Revelation 2:11

---

Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Anyone who hears the voice of the Lord and obeys what He says, then, blessings shall follow to those who take up their cross and follow Him. Nothing is impossible for God.

 

[Rizakar]

I BELIEVE EVERY HONEST CHRISTIAN WOULD ADMIT TO HAVING EVERY EMOTION FROM FEELING VICTORIOUS TO KNOWING FULL WELL WE HAVE MISSED IT COMPLELELY AND I BELIEVE WE SEE THAT IN THE DISCIPLES SO I JUST AM SO THANKFUL JESUS IS NOT ASHAMED TO CALL US BRETHREN IN JESUS HOLY NAME. AMEN.

 

[The Encourager]

Let Us Pray For The Faithful Prayer Warriors on this Prayer Site: God I ask You in Jesus’ name bless every faithful prayer warrior on this prayer site (including myself) with everything that we each stand in need of and everything that You want each of us to have. Bless us to prosper and walk in excellent health. Give us all the desire to make drawing close to You, knowing You, loving You, obeying You, and making You known our number one goals in life. God bless us with the strength and spirit of obedience to live our lives for Your glory, approval, and applause. And God please fully heal each of us physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and financially for Your glory. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so in Jesus’ name. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You Jesus.