What would cause you to turn from following Jesus? This life is full of excuses and in the conclusion of Luke 9, we see that there were those who wanted to follow Christ, but only on their terms.

However, In Luke 9, we also see that Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem and never turns his back! He knows what waits for him there. Rejection waits for him. Suffering waits for him. The cross waits for him. But he does not turn back! Therefore, because Jesus set his face toward the cross to save us, we must follow him with undivided allegiance.

In Luke 9:20-50, we find Christ’s disciples wrestling with a question that still captures our hearts today: Who is the greatest? While they reach for status, recognition, and a crown, Jesus reveals a radically different picture of greatness. He is the promised Messiah, the glorious Son of God, and the One whose power causes people to marvel at the greatness of God. Yet this great Messiah does not pursue self-exaltation. He gives himself in suffering, sacrifice, and ultimately the cross.

This message from God’s Word challenges us to abandon the pursuit of our own greatness and faithfully follow the One who is truly great. Jesus calls his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him. The Christian life is not about becoming the greatest person in the room, but about worshiping Christ, surrendering our lives to him, and serving faithfully even when no one else notices. Our hearts may reach for the crown, but Christ calls us to pick up our cross instead.

This Sunday we returned to our series in the Gospel of Luke as Pastor Alex delivered a sermon centered on Luke 9:1-20, in which he examined the question: “Who Is Jesus?” May you be blessed by this week’s message.