Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Matthew 16:24-26 NIV
The idea of losing your life to follow Jesus directly challenges natural human instincts. In Job 2:4, Satan claimed that a person would give everything to preserve their own life. This statement reveals how deeply self-preservation shapes human decisions. However, Jesus later presented a radically different standard for those who follow Him. Therefore, Scripture invites believers to examine whether they value earthly life or eternal life more.
In Job 2:4, Satan argued that self-preservation governs human behaviour. According to this view, saving one’s life becomes the highest priority. Consequently, the ordinary person gives up everything to remain safe. This perspective exposes a natural instinct that prioritises survival above obedience. Yet Scripture does not end with this assumption about human nature.
In Matthew 16:24–26, Jesus offered a direct contrast to Satan’s claim. He taught that anyone who follows Him must deny themselves and take up their cross. Moreover, Jesus stated that those who try to save their life will lose it. However, those who lose their life for His sake will find it. This teaching reverses human logic and introduces God’s kingdom standard. In God’s kingdom, surrender produces true life rather than loss.
Jesus also revealed that every choice involves an exchange. Holding tightly to earthly life often requires releasing eternal life. Therefore, choosing comfort over obedience becomes a costly transaction with eternity. Jesus focused attention on the soul rather than temporary gain. Although a person may gain the whole world, such gain still ends in loss if the soul is forfeited. This warning calls believers to weigh life through an eternal lens.
Esther provides a clear example of this surrender in action. In Esther 4, she faced a decision that could cost her life. She could remain silent and protect her position as queen. Instead, she chose to speak up to save her people, despite the danger. Esther declared, “If I perish, I perish,” which revealed her willingness to obey God above self-preservation. Consequently, she valued righteousness over personal safety.
Paul demonstrated the same mindset in Acts 20:22–24. He acknowledged that prison and hardship awaited him in every city. Nevertheless, Paul declared that his life meant nothing compared to completing God’s work. His sole aim involved finishing the race and testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace. Therefore, Paul embodied losing your life to follow Jesus through faithful obedience. His example aligns directly with Jesus’ teaching on discipleship.
Overall, Scripture calls believers to reassess what profit truly means. Earthly gain cannot extend beyond this life. Instead, eternal value flows from obedience and alignment with God’s will. For this reason, God invites His people to release their grip on life for eternity’s sake. Such surrender reflects the highest calling of faith and devotion.
Living It Out
Consider where self-preservation shapes your choices today. Ask God where He calls you to trust Him more deeply. Choose obedience over comfort, even when it feels costly. As you practise losing your life to follow Jesus, allow eternity to shape every decision.