What does being "ashamed of Me and My words" mean in Luke 9:26? The Scene in Luke 9 • Jesus has just revealed His coming suffering (vv. 22) and called followers to “deny himself and take up his cross daily” (v. 23). • He follows that call with a warning and a promise: “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (v. 26) Defining “Ashamed” • Greek term: aischynō – to feel disgrace, to shrink back for fear of embarrassment or rejection. • In context, it is not merely an emotion; it is an attitude that results in silence, denial, or compromise of loyalty to Jesus and His teaching. What Being Ashamed Looks Like 1. Public Denial – Peter’s night-court denial (Luke 22:54-62) models temporary shame in action. 2. Private Disowning – Refusing to align one’s lifestyle with Christ’s words (cf. Titus 1:16). 3. Selective Silence – Staying quiet when His truth is mocked or opposed (John 12:42-43). 4. Doctrinal Distancing – Altering or softening Jesus’ words to fit cultural pressures (Galatians 1:10). Why the Warning Is So Severe • Future Reciprocity: “the Son of Man will be ashamed of him” (Luke 9:26)—a literal, coming judgment when Jesus returns in glory. • Eternal Stakes: to be disowned by Christ is to forfeit eternal life (cf. Matthew 10:32-33). • Divine Audience: the Father and holy angels will witness the verdict, underscoring its finality. Scriptures That Echo the Call • Mark 8:38 — parallel command and warning. • Romans 1:16 — “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” • 2 Timothy 1:8 — “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.” • 1 John 2:28 — “so that when He appears, we may stand confident and unashamed before Him.” Positive Contrast: What Faithful Witness Looks Like • Bold Confession—openly owning Christ’s name (Acts 4:18-20). • Obedient Alignment—ordering life under His words (John 14:15). • Joyful Suffering—accepting reproach for His sake (1 Peter 4:14-16). • Persevering Endurance—remaining steadfast until He comes (Revelation 2:10). Living It Out Today • Examine speech: Do conversations naturally reflect allegiance to Jesus? • Evaluate choices: Does His word shape ethics, entertainment, relationships, finances? • Expect opposition: View ridicule as shared fellowship with Christ (Philippians 1:29). • Embrace courage: The Holy Spirit empowers bold witness (Acts 1:8). |
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