Luke 24:13-27
“Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” vs. 26
This was the great truth that everyone had missed! For centuries people had been waiting for the coming Messiah, the one who would bring the redemption of Israel and make it great again. And every time, just when it seemed the right leader had come along, their hopes would be dashed. As these two followers of Jesus walked back home to Emmaus, they shared their dashed hopes with their new traveling companion…and then he sets them straight. The way to glory for the Messiah necessarily moved through suffering…and that’s what had just taken place on the cross. Most of us nod in agreement as we read these words…it’s what we’ve come to believe about Jesus. What’s harder to accept is that the same journey awaits every disciple! Jesus said it himself, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” We’ve gotten so used to a steady diet of cheap grace that we forget the cost of discipleship. Some have even come to believe that a life of faith leads inexorably to riches and success. The reality is that, if we don’t feel pain and suffering on the journey it’s pretty certain that we’ve gotten off track and have fallen into idolatry. We might be following someone, but it’s certainly not Jesus! Is discipleship worth the cost? Of course…it’s the only way to the resurrected life!
Thought for the Day: What has discipleship cost me?
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