First the Cross, Then the Crown

When Jesus said to the disciples, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” it would have made them recoil.  And it’s a bracing, bucket of water in the face for those who think that following Jesus means a life earthly blessings, ease and prosperity.  This was a reality check.  Following Jesus includes hardship, but it doesn’t end with it. Following Jesus means first the cross, then the crown.

Episode Art by Jan van 't Hoff, www.gospelimages.com via FreeBibleImages.org