Self-denial, Cross-bearing & Jesus

Cocoa Farmers

“Whoever wants to be my disciple

must deny themselves

and take up their cross

and follow me."

Mark 8:34

Chocolate. Really, really good chocolate is one of my weaknesses. I'm talking about Godiva, Lunt, and from the Equal Exchange Co-op. I'm also talking about Snowflake Chocolates, Jericho, VT, and Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Ice Cream. 

When I announced to my congregations I was giving up chocolate for Lent, it seemed like a significant sacrifice. 

However, Jesus never meant denying something as trivial as chocolate. 

Deny Yourself

Jesus is laying out what's needed to fully grasp ones identity as a disciple.

Jesus says denying ourselves is separation from what defines us and embracing a new understanding of our identity. 

For example, when  the disciples followed Jesus they became a community defined by association with Jesus. Self-denial means you have completely redefined your identity.

Take up your cross.

Taking up your cross implies rejection. In Jesus day, if you carried a cross it indicated you were rejected by society and its leaders. Jesus was, after all, living a life that was a threat to the world's corruption and misguided values.

Follow Me

Just knowing Jesus’ identity is a useless concept. Jesus calls his followers to an action-journey with him in a specific direction ending up at crucifixion and resurrection.

Want to learn who Jesus really is? Follow him. Do as Jesus did.

I know, following Jesus with its self-denial and cross-bearing, is a difficult, risky way of living, but it is how the rest of the world gets to know The Kingdom of God.

That's worth it in the end.

No, I don't still give up chocolate for Lent. 

I have taken on a new identity based on my baptism vows to resist evil, injustice, and oppression. There are two scripture verses that are the core of that identity: Micah 6:8 and Amos 5:24.