The Cost of Closer
Luke 9:23-27
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

February 25, 2024

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9:23

Having God come close is a choice

14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” —Joshua 24:14-15

Self can get in the way of God coming close.

24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” —Luke 9:24-27

God’s closeness comes at a cost.

21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” —Luke 9:21-22

The denial of self is a daily battle.

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9:2346 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” —Luke 9:46-4857 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” —Luke 9:57-62

Takeaway: This week I will reflect the Kingdom of God in my actions.

The Kingdom of God involves people…

who forgive one another.
who are welcoming.
who are thankful.
who are gracious.
who are merciful.
who love seeking, saving, and receiving the lost.
who are persistent in prayer.
who use resources to further God’s Kingdom.