J.A. Matteson
When Christ bids a man to follow Him it is an invitation to die. First century disciples understood vividly what was implied by picking up ones cross to follow Him. "As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore" (Jn. 6:66). The road is narrow and the way difficult that leads to life. Christ refuses to redeem a man on his terms; the Way is His and the means is death. The flesh is characterized by a stubborn inclination bent on independence from divine authority. The Way is spiritually discerned and an enigma to the flesh. Therefore the commands of Christ to those in the flesh are received as harsh, unreasonable, and undesirable. Predictably, when the road narrows and the Way becomes difficult they turn back to the mire. Not so for those born of the Spirit. The sweetness of the Shepherds guidance is received as by One intending to direct them to gentle green pastures and refreshing cold waters. And when the path become difficult they joyfully persevere along its way knowing that the Good Shepherd is leading them to Paradise and will protect them from the evil one. At each higher vista along the road He increases and they decrease to the praise of His glory.
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