癤풲he Way of Discipleship
(Mt 16:24-25)
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He commanded His disciples to in turn go and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19-20) We must push ourselves as Jesus??believers to become His followers, the disciples of Jesus. The way of discipleship is the way that at times accompanies suffering and sacrifice. However, it is the way that brings God?셲 pleasure and glory. Which way of discipleship does God approve?
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1. To follow Jesus
The way of discipleship is to live following Jesus Christ (Mt 16:24). Just as businessmen struggle to make more profits and students struggle to make better grades, so too does everyone struggle to achieve something in life. All people struggle to understand their ultimate purpose in life. What further plans do you have after you have earned more money, got better grades, or acquired a degree? Our purpose in life should be centered on Jesus Christ, the hope of all humankind. I wish for you to not set your purpose in life on the fleeting world but to set your purpose in life on Jesus who is the same forever.
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2. To deny oneself
The way of discipleship is to deny oneself before God saying ?쁈 am nothing.??(Mt 16:24). Pride is the root of sin. The sin came into humankind because Eve was tempted when she heard the snake say, ?쁚ou will become like God;??and ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Everyone in this world lives self-centered lives with spiritual pride. We ought to nail down our old selves onto the Cross and break our pride into pieces (Ga 2:20). Becoming a disciple of Jesus sometimes means our sacrifice in all things (Lk 14:26, 33). Unlike those in the world, who parade themselves and put their names on high to take the top seat, Jesus lived a life of serving others. As disciples of Jesus, we ought to follow Him by denying ourselves and live a life of serving others.
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3. To take up one?셲 cross
The way of discipleship is the way of the Cross. Jesus told his disciples to take up their cross and follow Him (Mt 16:24). Everyone has his/her own cross to take up. Being a disciple of Jesus sometimes requires us to take the way of suffering. So many forefathers of faith took the way of the Cross and suffered martyrdom. Apostle Paul considered his life worth nothing and took the way of the Cross to preach the Gospel (Ac 20:24). As disciple of Jesus, we ought to follow His way (1Sa 6:12). That is the way to sacrifice and service (1Co 15:31). When we take up the cross for Jesus Christ, the risen Lord will live for us so that great and wonderful things will be revealed through our lives.

We ought to live our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. When we celebrate communion every month, I pray that we do this in memory of Jesus??suffering so that the time of communion will be one of thanksgiving, prayer in tears and repentance, and devotion.