Big Idea - To what end has Jesus given His life for us? Jesus is going to Jerusalem to be mistreated, killed, and raised on the third day. That is a pretty extreme course of action. Why would Jesus do that? Jesus died for us, to deal with our sin, but that is not the whole story, it is not the final goal. He died so that we could follow Him. This is not just the words of a Rabbi seeking students who would “follow” him. This is the expectations of a King who is bringing His kingdom. Redemption is so much more than removing sin so we can be "saved." True salvation is a matter of becoming a citizen of His kingdom by putting our lives under His rule as our King. Therefore, following Jesus is a matter of giving loyalty and service to Him as our King. It means fulfilling His purpose for our life as citizens of His kingdom, living as He lived, doing what He did, and proclaiming His Kingdom in a world that is hostile toward the King.
Because this world is hostile toward the King, His Kingdom, at this time, is not a safe place. Following Jesus involves great risk and comes at great cost. Is Jesus worth such risks and sacrifice? Absolutely, for this is the only path to life - to true salvation. While we may not face the same risk as the early Church, it is still costly to follow Jesus and anyone who wishes to follow Him, must deny himself and take up his cross in order to be a citizen of the kingdom!
