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Jesus never calls this a “great commandment” or an “essential,” but he says it so often that we have to recognize this command as a huge priority for him. Simply put, it’s the command to follow Jesus.

Throughout the New Testament, the concept is repeated time and time again that the ultimate goal of the life of the human being is the imitation of Christ. Jesus is the model for what being human really is all about, so when he looks at Matthew and says, “Follow me!” he means something much more than simply, “Hey, buddy, come over here!”

It’s an old gag from the days of vaudeville for one person to say, “Walk this way” and then be followed by another person who walks not only in the same direction, but also in the same manner as the person leading the way.

It’s a common child’s game for one child to be the “leader” and the other children to follow by imitating the patterns of the first child.

We understand leadership and followership, but we fail to grasp the significance of Jesus’ words to us that we are to follow him.

Following Jesus means that we are of course to go where he goes, but also that we are to do what he does. Where does he go and what does he do? It’s really simple, actually. Jesus goes where there are people far from God and he exposes them to the powerful grace of their Heavenly Father. He speaks words of challenge and encouragement, but it’s always about demonstrating powerful grace… even when demonstrating that grace comes at great personal sacrifice.

That’s what taking up our cross means! It doesn’t mean just being willing to die for Jesus. The cross is about something far greater than simply death. The cross is about a powerful act of grace, and one person willing to live out the power of grace by giving his own life for the sake of others.

Taking up my cross isn’t about being willing to die for Jesus. It’s about being willing to die for others! Now that’s tough. But that’s what Jesus did, and I’m committed to following him.

BIG IDEA FOR THE DAY: Who will I meet today who is far from God? How can I demonstrate the power of grace to that person?

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