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If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
-Jesus 

Imagine if you were a first century Israelite living in Roman-occupied Judea.

Your whole life you’ve seen criminals and traitors be led down the dirt road a hill, carrying the cross that they would soon be executed on. 

You’ve been eagerly following a man named Jesus because you believe he has the power and authority to set your world right—kicking the Romans out of town and then re-establishing the nation of Israel, taking the seat of power in Jerusalem.

Then this Jesus, your leader, your Rabbi, says to you: that will be you one day. You want to follow me? Be prepared to be one of these people, being led to their death.

Who would want in on that? Who would willingly choose that?

I believe that we short sell the Gospel of King Jesus when we don’t adequately ask what Jesus asked: suffering & death. 

You want to follow this King? Willingly go and die. Die to yourself.

Die to your non-king-Jesus pursuits. 

Die to your non-king-Jesus wants.

Die to your non-king-Jesus dreams.

And then take up the pursuits, wants, and dreams of the King & his Kingdom. 

Your old kingdom-of-me self dead.
Your new kingdom-of-Jesus self that was previously dormant now active. Alive. Engaged.

Now go and live, the Kingdom awaits.