Luke 9:24-26

These verses expand the ideas of loss and shame implied in the illustration of bearing one’s cross (Luke 9:23). The contrast is first giving up what the world can provide to gain what God can provide. It involves going without now with the faith that God will abundantly reward any sacrifice that a disciple makes to follow Him faithfully. Moreover it involves giving up oneself to gain something for oneself either now or later. The second contrast is between glory (i.e., a good reputation) now in the eyes of the world or in the future in God’s eyes. Jesus glorified the glory available in the future by associating it with the glory of the Father and the holy angels.

"Not long before this the disciples had been actively engaged in telling the nation about the Messiah and His kingdom program. No doubt many thought the disciples were throwing their lives away. They had given up their sources of income and were in danger because they associated with Jesus. Jesus assured His disciples that they were doing the right thing. They had chosen the proper values . . ." [Note: Martin, pp. 229-230.]

"What is gained in Christ far outweighs all that is lost for Christ." [Note: Bailey, p. 121.]