How costly is it to be a disciple of Jesus? It costs our very lives. It requires our entire allegiance. It involves a cross. Like Jesus who “humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8), his followers are to take up their cross with humility and denial of oneself. We are crucified with Christ. Our lives are put to death. We no longer live according to our own plans and desires. This involves having the same attitude and posture as Jesus who prayed to the Father “your kingdom come, your will be done” (Matt 6:10) and “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matt 26:39).

But there is more to this cross-shaped life. More of God and his glory. Followers of Jesus experience Christ’s new life in intimate relationship with the Holy Trinity. We experience the beauty of God’s holiness and the wonder of his love. We experience his greatness in all its grandeur. Like Jesus who was glorified by the Father, followers of Jesus are also glorified. We partake in the magnificent glory of Christ. We are lifted up and exalted with Christ. Our lowly bodies will be transformed into glorious bodies, and we will rule and reign with Christ for all eternity to the praise of his glory.

Thus, followers of Jesus Christ proclaim Christ crucified, participate in his sufferings and experience the power of his resurrection. We imitate a crucified savior as people of the resurrection life. We walk in his steps by the power of his Spirit through a dark world in desperate need of experiencing the light.  May we joyously follow Jesus and humbly serve like he did on the cross, so that the world might also come to know, follow and experience the glory of the Lord.