No disciple is above his teacher

Jesus knows in his heart that like the prophets of old, he will be a sign of contradiction. He predicts that he will suffer in Jerusalem.

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He also knows that those who follow him will share his fate. In sending the Apostles, he forewarns them of being misunderstood: no disciple is above his teacher (v 24). They, too, will share his fate. Later, he tells them plainly that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly, and adds, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Mt 16:24).

Some preachers proclaim a "prosperity Gospel," emphasizing that people will be blessed by God for embracing Jesus Christ. This is true, but this is only one side of the coin. With the reward of "a hundred times more" are "persecutions" (Mk 10:30).

Following Jesus without the cross is a misnomer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian who defied Adolf Hitler and who was executed for it, speaks of "cheap grace." It is the preaching of forgiveness with-

out requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession.

It is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. On the other hand, there is "costly grace," which is the treasure buried in a field; for the sake of it a man will sell all that he has (Mt 13:44).

First Reading

Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a