The Conditions and Rewards of Following Christ

Christ sets before all men the explicit conditions of discipleship in His kingdom. It is not a kingdom of earthly splendour. Whosoever would come after Him must expect hardships, self-denial, cross-bearing, and scorn. Their rest and reward were not yet.

First, observe the unequivocal way in which Jesus assumes to be our rightful Leader. Man needs a Leader—life's by-ways are many, the labyrinth is deep, its duration is short, the stake is great. Man's native tendency is not upward. Jesus has a rightful claim to lead us through the greatness, wisdom, and perfection of His person and character.

Second, notice the sobering way Jesus announces the cost of following Him. "Whosoever will"—this points to obstacles to be overcome and trials to be borne. To be a true follower requires the courage of deep conviction and strong desire. There are two reasons for denying self. The "self" in us must be denied because it is wrong; personal salvation without denial of the old nature would be a contradiction. The new spirit that is in us requires it, for the follower of Christ has become His servant and soldier.

Third, observe the cheering way Jesus sets before us the rewards of faithfully following Him. While Christ was the greatest preacher of self-sacrifice, He uniformly recommended it by pledges of future good. The reward promised is not sensual but consists of activity, calling into right and glad exercise every power we possess. Following Christ demands voluntary choice—"Whosoever will"—and absolute entire surrender of every part of our being to Christ as Master.