Luke 9:23-27

Spread the Word…Jesus Christ is Lord over all!

Luke 9:23–26

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.

27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

Denying oneself refers to setting aside one’s interests for the sake of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ disciples must be willing to follow Him every day, no matter what the cost. By seeking to avoid the potential hardships associated with following Jesus, a person ends up losing his or her life. Jesus also seems to be referring to people losing out on relationship with God in general—the true meaning of life. Those who embrace Jesus’ call to discipleship—including the difficulties it brings—will be saved. Faithlife Bible.

Although Jesus offered salvation as a free gift, He also warned that following Him would entail suffering and hardship.

It makes no sense to attempt to save our lives on earth only to lose everything when our lives quickly and inevitably pass away. The wise course is to invest our earthly resources—our time, talents, and wealth—in what is eternal. Even if we lose our lives for Jesus’ sake, that investment will produce returns for all eternity.

Recognition of Jesus will be rewarded in the coming judgment. Failure to recognize Him will lead to significant loss.

Since these disciples died before Jesus’ return, the reference here is no doubt to the Transfiguration. With this there is probably also a prediction of the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost. NKJ Bible.

Matthew 10:33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Luke 12:9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

Luke 14:27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.