Sportsman often ignore injuries for the sake of winning. To follow Jesus could be painful and costly.
1. You must take up your cross. We want a comfortable life, and think mainly of ourselves. Jesus says we must be will to give all this up - to the point of death.
2. Why would you then follow Jesus. Peter says, 'You are the Christ'. He is God's promised King, demonstrated by the transfiguration - confirmed by the voice of God saying to listen to Him.
3. Why does following Jesus involve self denial? The wisdom all around us is opposed to Jesus, and likewise opposed to His followers. Consider things in the light of eternity.
