Who Do You Love? A Call to Radical Discipleship
Written by: Sebastian Petz
Date: January 28, 2025
Scripture: John 12:20–26
Read Time: 3 min
In the heart of the Gospel lies a call that is both profound and challenging—a call to radical discipleship. This call invites us to a life of total self-renunciation and devotion to Jesus Christ. It is a call that echoes through the pages of Scripture, urging us to consider what it truly means to follow Christ in a world that often prioritizes self-preservation and personal gain.
The Paradox of Life Through Death
At the core of this call is a paradox that Jesus Himself articulated in John 12:24-25: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” This teaching challenges us to evaluate our priorities. Are we clinging to our lives, our comforts, and our desires, or are we willing to lay them down for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom?
The principle here is clear: true life is found through death—death to self, and in some cases, literal death for the sake of the Gospel. This is not a call to a life of ease, but to one of sacrifice and service, where the focus shifts from self to Christ.
The Example of Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of this sacrificial love. Philippians 2:5-8 reminds us of His humility and obedience: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Christ’s willingness to lay down His divine rights and endure the cross for our sake is the model for our discipleship. We are called to follow Him, not just in His glory, but in His suffering and service.
The Promise of Honor
While the path of discipleship is marked by sacrifice, it is also accompanied by a profound promise. Jesus assures us in John 12:26, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” The honor that comes from God far surpasses any earthly recognition or reward. It is the promise of eternal life and the joy of being in the presence of our Master.
A Call to Action
The sermon challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Are we willing to answer the call to radical discipleship? Are we prepared to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus, even when it leads to suffering or sacrifice?
In a world that often values self above all, let us be reminded of the transformative power of the Gospel. The call to discipleship is not merely an invitation to follow Jesus in the good times but to embrace His path of suffering and service. It is a call to live lives wholly devoted to Christ, trusting in His promise of eternal honor and joy.
May we find the courage and faith to answer this call, knowing that the cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is eternal. Let us live with the assurance that, as we lay down our lives for Christ, we will bear much fruit and be honored by the Father in the life to come.
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Phone-square-alt
Sundays
10:30am English
9am Spanish
136 S 7th St.
Montebello, CA 90640
