The Cost of Self-Denial

Mark 14:62-65

62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

Yesterday we discussed what self-denial means, and we looked at Jesus’ example of self-denial in His trial before the high priest. Even as He was falsely accused Jesus remained silent and did not defend Himself. Finally when the high priest brought a true accusation (that Jesus is the Son of God), instead of remaining silent or dodging the question, Jesus again practiced perfect denial of Himself by answering honestly.

Self-denial is an important part of following Christ, but it also often leads to a great cost that you and I may not be willing to pay.

For Jesus, He is beaten, mocked, and eventually His continual self-denial via honest answers about who He is will lead to His torture and death on the cross.

You and I aren’t facing crucifixion for giving up our desires, possessions, or status to faithfully follow Jesus (our definition for self-denial), but we may face very real costs. 

If your neighbor, a family member, or a friend from school asks you a question about what you believe, and you know the answer may offend them or be contrary to their worldview, what will you do? Will you answer honestly and simply with kindness, or will you dodge the question or bend the truth about what you believe?

Would you give up your boss’ opinion of you, or even your job in an extreme case, because you either stand up for what you believe or object to something unjust happening at your workplace?

Would you give up your desire for vengeance or even justice if that gives you a chance at forgiveness and a repaired relationship with someone who wronged you?

Would you give up some of your free time/rest time, or your dream of a bigger house, or better car, or more vacations, if those resources or that time could be used for something oriented towards God’s Kingdom?

Self-denial is a lot more important and a lot more costly than we want it to be. But if our Lord can deny Himself to the point of death on a cross for you and me, we have to be better at denying ourselves to follow Him!