Sunday Reflection: ‘If You Want to Become My Followers’ – “Who do people say that I am?” Jesus asks his disciples. And they offer the various responses they have heard. “But who do YOU say that I am?” asks Jesus. Ah, the central question. Central for the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Central for us. Who do WE say that Jesus is?

Who are the people guessing who Jesus is, and why do you think they said John the Baptist? Why did they guess Jesus was Elijah?

Jesus speaks of losing our lives for his sake, and for the sake of the gospel. Taking up our cross means being willing to suffer the consequences of following Jesus faithfully, whatever those consequences might be. It means putting Jesus’ priorities and purposes ahead of our own comfort or security. It means being willing to lose our lives by spending them for others — using our time, resources, gifts, and energy so that others might experience God’s love made known in Jesus Christ.

What does Jesus mean by the following statement? “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Does this mean we must quit our jobs, leave our families, and go around the country dragging a wooden cross?