The Cruciform Life
Excitement had risen. It always did as Passover approached. But then the first unexpected turn of events occurred. When some Greeks had come requesting to see Jesus, Jesus had begun to talk in earnest about dying. With trepidation Jesus described being lifted up, indicating the type of death he would suffer.
If the surprise that grabs us deals with others, it is possible to be curious or shocked, but yet remain aloof. Yet Jesus’ other unexpected hairpin turn on that occasion can feel like a sledge hammer for those who would be his disciples. If comprehended, Jesus did not permit aloofness. Rejection might occur, but Jesus removed the passive option.
At first, Jesus merely appeared to be talking about the results of his death. “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.”/1 By seamlessly transitioning into discussing discipleship, Jesus revealed this principle was not only true for himself, but also for his disciples. Disciples produce fruit, if they die to themselves.
As he had done before, Jesus defined discipleship in terms of the cross. Their Lord would go to the cross. To be a disciple necessitated reflecting him by choosing to live for God, rather than for oneself in this world. Discipleship requires living a cross-shaped life, that is, a cruciform life. Disciples also carry their crosses.
In some Christian correspondence later, the apostle Paul would summarize Jesus’ teaching with these words:
“he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”/2
“I have been crucified with Christ, I no longer live but Christ lives in me.”/3
1/ John 12:24 2/ 2 Corinthians 5:15 3/ Galatians 2:20