By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Matthew 16:24-28

The Rev. Ron Purkey

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

First, Bible Truth: Today the cross is an accepted symbol of love and sacrifice. But in Jesus’ day the cross was a horrible means of capital punishment. The Romans would not mention the cross in polite society. In fact, no Roman citizen could be crucified; this terrible death was reserved for their enemies. Jesus had not yet specifically stated that he would be crucified (He did this in Matthew 20:17-19). But his words that follow emphasize the cross.

To deny self does not mean to deny things. It means to give yourself wholly to Jesus and share in his shame and death. Paul described this in Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 3:7-10, as well as in Galatians 2:20. To take up a cross does not mean to carry burdens or have problems. (A lady once said her asthma was the “cross” she had to bear!) To take up the cross means to identify with Christ in his rejection, shame, suffering, and death.

But suffering always leads to glory. This is why Jesus ended this short sermon with a reference to his glorious kingdom (Matthew 16:28). This statement would be fulfilled within a week on the Mount of Transfiguration, described in Matthew chapter 17.

Second, Bible Truth Illustrated: “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption” (Galatians 6:8). When a person gives himself to the world and sows for worldly gain, his harvest can be money, affluence, success, pleasure, and freedom from hunger, from cold, and from heat. In many ways he can find a harvest that is seemingly grand. But Paul says that there is also another harvest in it, and that harvest is corruption, decay, and loss. The apostle says that there are no spiritual rewards or harvests when a person sows just for the world.

For example, money can buy a bed, but not sleep. Money can buy food, but not appetite. Money can buy a house, but not a home. Money can buy medicine, but not health. Money can buy amusement and pleasure, but not happiness. Money can buy gifts, but not love. Money can buy a crucifix, but not a Savior. When we sow for worldly gain, then the harvest is corruption, loss, and decay.

Two men were driving through a beautiful estate crowned by a lovely mansion, with fertile fields all around it. The man asked his companion, “What is the value of this great estate?” His friend replied, “I cannot tell you the value of it, but I can tell you what it cost the owner.” The other fellow said, “What?” And he replied, “It cost him everything he had. It cost him his soul.”

Third, Thought To Remember: Trust Christ with your life. Then, live for him and receive spiritual rewards!

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.