Jesus insists that those who wish to follow him must deny themselves. To emphasize his point, he then calls into question the profit of gaining the whole world, and yet, lose one’s very self, one’s soul (Lk 9:25). Answering that question will lead to an understanding of what Jesus means by self-denial. There is an adage that hints at what Jesus has in mind in that regard: “Shrouds do not have pockets.” In other words, you can’t take it with you.
By insisting on an attitude of self-denial, Jesus wants his followers to adopt a new way of being in the world by modeling our daily lives after his example. We take on his spirit and his view of the world to pursue those things that have lasting value. We pursue the values of God and live the truth in love (Eph 4:15).
Taking on the values of God is to love others with real care and concern. We know this includes love of enemy, avoiding violence and condemnation, being generous in our aid to others, giving up a desire for revenge (Mt 5:38-47). During his earthly life, Jesus never returned insult for insult, nor did he threaten or intimidate others. These are harmful, unloving ways of being in the world, and Jesus rejects all such behavior.
On the other hand, following Jesus is to put on the mind of Christ and see things as Jesus sees them (Ph 2:5; Rm 13:14). That attitude and orientation allows us to be the kind of person Jesus is—kind, compassionate and merciful toward others, especially the marginalized and vulnerable members of society. With the mind of Christ, we in fact become a new creation.
The kind of self-denial Jesus expects from his followers is to refrain or abstain from any behavior, interest, pleasure or goal that separates and isolates us from God and our brothers and sisters. We avoid all that impedes us from recognizing and seeing God’s activity in our lives and in our world. This attitude relies on a view of creation as radically interconnected and bound together by the love of God.[1]
In short, when Jesus calls into question the profit of gaining the whole world, he acknowledges the spiritual futility of a self-centered life that focuses on status, material wealth and social gain alone. As a counter to that way of life, Jesus advocates for a way of life that involves self-denial in ways that foster a healthier relationship with God, with others, and with the whole of creation.[2]
Ironically, this approach helps us find our true selves, the way God intends for us to be in the world. We also discover the authentic way to live in peace and harmony with others and with creation. Jesus makes this point with the claim that “whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it” (Mk 8:35). Without exaggeration, the choice is literally between life and death (Dt 30:19). Jesus hopes that we choose life.
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