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“You CAN’T Be My Disciple”
Jesus spoke, not only in positive terms but also, at times, conveyed truth by negative expressions. "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple," (Luke 14:33). And, similarly, he said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself..." (Matthew 16:24a). Notice that he did not say, “You MAY not be my disciple.” He said, “You CANNOT be my disciple.”
Self-denial is not something a person learns to do after becoming a Christian-- as though, he becomes a disciple then learns to deny self. Rather, it is an essential commitment he makes prior to discipleship. Furthermore, his being a disciple is first dependent upon his making that decision. "Self-denial" and "giving up all" are prerequisites of discipleship. That is not to say that a disciple does not practice self-denial and must not, at times, make sacrifices of things as an exemplification of his commitment. But, it is to say that if he did not first deny self to become a disciple, then he will find his ways fraught with indissoluble conflicts.
In specific application of the above affirmations, it can be observed that the very commands Jesus gave as conditions in order that men might receive salvation are all exemplifications of self-denial. Observe the following applications.
Jesus told men to put their trust in him for salvation (John 8:24; Mark 16:16). Since man is lost, he cannot save himself by himself -- he can never become so good as to make up for the transgressions of law. He is insufficient to take care of the problem of sin by himself. In faith (trust) one denies the sufficiency of self and puts his trust in another to save him.
Jesus also requires of men that they repent (Luke 13:3, 13; Acts 17:30). Many who have problems with pride or arrogance find that repentance is impossible, for repentance demands a denial of self's pride and a humbling of oneself before an Almighty God.
The confession of Christ before men was established by Jesus in the limited commission (Matthew 10:32-33) and exemplified by Paul in Romans10: 10. It is, in essence, a denial of self as LORD and the acceptance of another ruler in one's life -- The Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
And, finally, when one humbles himself in being baptized by the authority of Jesus Christ, he denies self's saving power and submits to another's will and authority (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7).
Further, one can be assured that self-denial is not a giving up of THINGS. Oh, yes, the giving up of some things is certainly expressive of self-denial at times and some people find some things too important to surrender in living for Christ. Family, friends, material treasures, etc., are more important to some than Christ.
However, while giving up things may be expressive of having denied self, the key to understanding what Jesus required is summarized thusly: ONE MUST DENY SELF IN LIVING FOR SELF. Notice that it is "self-denial" that is required, not "things-denial." Some of us are like the little boy whose conscience was pricked by Jesus' teaching on self-denial but he was not willing to pay the full price. He came home from worship and proudly proclaimed to his father that he was giving up Salt Mackerel. His dad asked, "Why, of all things, Salt Mackerel?" To which he responded: "There are two reasons: first, because there isn't much Salt Mackerel around; and, second, because I don't like Salt Mackerel anyway."
Jesus used different terminology to impress the same truth of self-denial in John 12:25 – “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." This is a play on the words "love," "hate," "lose," and "find." The man who loves his life is the man who lives for the selfish interest and pleasures this life affords. Such a man, though he may gain the things of this life, will lose his eternal life. On the other hand, the man who loses his life, that is, a man who gives up self and loses himself in service to Christ, will gain the eternal well being of his soul.
When a Christian makes a choice of sleeping rather than coming together with God's children to study and worship, he has made a conscious choice of self's interest over Christ. When a man makes a choice for the gain of luxury, not essentials, so that his pursuit of work leaves him no time to serve Christ, he has made a choice for things over Christ. When a woman stays home to cook for company rather than assembling with the saints, she has made a choice of friends/family over Christ.
Why are some that claim to be Christians miserable and religion so difficult for them? -- they never denied self in living for self – discipleship is impossible. -- Jim R. Everett
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