Luke 9:24
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
For whoever wants to save his life
This phrase begins with the Greek word "γάρ" (gar), meaning "for," which connects this statement to the preceding verses about self-denial and taking up one's cross. The word "wants" is translated from "θέλει" (thelei), indicating a deliberate desire or intention. The term "save" comes from "σῴζω" (sōzō), which means to preserve or rescue from danger. In this context, "life" is translated from "ψυχή" (psychē), often understood as the soul or the essence of one's being. Historically, this reflects the human instinct to preserve one's physical life, but Jesus challenges this notion by suggesting a deeper, spiritual dimension.

will lose it
The Greek word for "lose" is "ἀπολέσει" (apolesei), which means to destroy or lose. This paradoxical statement emphasizes the futility of clinging to earthly life at the expense of spiritual truth. The historical context of martyrdom in the early church underscores the reality that physical life may be sacrificed for the sake of faith, yet true life is found in Christ.

but whoever loses his life for My sake
The conjunction "but" (δέ, de) introduces a contrast. "Loses" is again from "ἀπολέσει" (apolesei), reinforcing the idea of willingly giving up one's life. The phrase "for My sake" is crucial, as it signifies the motivation behind the sacrifice. The Greek "ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ" (heneken emou) implies a purpose or cause, specifically for Jesus and His mission. This reflects the call to discipleship, where allegiance to Christ takes precedence over self-preservation.

will save it
Here, "save" is again from "σῴζω" (sōzō), but in this context, it refers to the ultimate salvation of the soul. The promise is that those who surrender their earthly life for Christ will gain eternal life. This assurance is rooted in the resurrection hope, a central tenet of Christian faith, affirming that true life is found in union with Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the cost of discipleship and the paradox of losing one's life to save it.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all who choose to follow Him. They are being prepared for the challenges and sacrifices of true discipleship.

3. The Cross
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Luke 9 includes Jesus speaking about taking up one's cross, symbolizing self-denial and the willingness to suffer for Christ.
Teaching Points
The Paradox of Life and Loss
Jesus presents a paradox that challenges worldly values. True life is found not in self-preservation but in self-sacrifice for Christ.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus requires a willingness to give up personal ambitions and comforts. This is a call to prioritize spiritual over temporal gains.

Eternal Perspective
Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary pleasures. This perspective helps in making decisions that honor God.

Identity in Christ
Our true identity and purpose are found in Christ. By losing our life for His sake, we discover who we are meant to be in Him.

Daily Surrender
This teaching calls for a daily commitment to surrender our will to God's will, trusting that His plans are greater than our own.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "lose your life" for Christ's sake in practical terms, and how can this be applied in your daily life?

2. How does the concept of losing one's life to save it challenge modern cultural values of success and self-fulfillment?

3. In what ways can you identify with the Apostle Paul's perspective in Philippians 3:7-8 regarding counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ?

4. How can maintaining an eternal perspective influence your decisions and priorities today?

5. Reflect on a situation where you had to choose between self-preservation and following Christ. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 16:25 and Mark 8:35
These parallel passages reinforce the teaching of losing one's life for Christ to find true life, emphasizing the consistency of this message across the Synoptic Gospels.

John 12:25
This verse echoes the theme of losing one's life in this world to keep it for eternal life, highlighting the eternal perspective of Jesus' teaching.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul speaks of counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ, illustrating the practical application of this teaching in the life of a believer.
Gaining Life by Losing ItB. Herferd, D. D.Luke 9:24
IndividualityStopford A. Brooke, M. A.Luke 9:24
Life Through DeathR. D. Hitchcock, D. D.Luke 9:24
Losing the Life to Find ItStopford A. Brooke, M. A.Luke 9:24
Saved by Willing to LoseLuke 9:24
Self-Seeking Involves a Cross Equally with Self-AbnegationW. H. H. Aitken, M. A.Luke 9:24
The Gain of LossJ. T. Higgins.Luke 9:24
The Saviour's Secret RevelationsR.M. Edgar Luke 9:18-36
Life Gained by Losing itW. Clarkson Luke 9:23, 24
People
Elias, Elijah, Herod, James, Jesus, John, Peter
Places
Bethsaida, Galilee, Jerusalem, Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Desire, Desires, Gives, Lose, Loses, Sake, Save, Wishes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 9:24

     5492   restitution
     8450   martyrdom

Luke 9:23-24

     2414   cross, centrality
     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8206   Christlikeness
     8451   mortification
     8481   self-sacrifice

Luke 9:23-25

     8120   following Christ
     8401   challenges

Luke 9:24-25

     5398   loss
     8302   love, abuse of
     8780   materialism, and sin

Library
Self-Denial Versus Self-Assertion.
"If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.--LUKE ix. 23. We might naturally have thought that if there was one thing in the life of the LORD JESUS CHRIST which belonged to Him alone, it was His cross-bearing. To guard against so natural a mistake, the HOLY GHOST has taken care in gospel and in epistle to draw our special attention to the oneness of the believer with CHRIST in cross-bearing; and also to prevent misunderstanding as to the character
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

January 30 Morning
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.--HEB. 12:1,2. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.--Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.--Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness. Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 1 Evening
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.--LUKE 9:23. By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report.--All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.--The offence of the cross. If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: but let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 15 Evening
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.--JAS. 1:8. No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.--Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.--What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 26 Evening
Take heed to your spirit.--MAL. 2:15. Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he . . . rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun . . . answered and said, My
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 11. "Whosoever Will Save his Life Shall Lose It" (Luke ix. 24).
"Whosoever will save his life shall lose it" (Luke ix. 24). First and foremost Christ teaches resurrection and life. The power of Christianity is life. It brings us not merely law, duty, example, with high and holy teaching and admonition. It brings us the power to follow the higher ideal and the life that spontaneously does the things commanded. But it is not only life, but resurrection life. And it begins with a real crisis, a definite transaction, a point of time as clear as the morning dawn.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

January 20. "Ye Know not what Manner of Spirit Ye are Of" (Luke ix. 55).
"Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of" (Luke ix. 55). Some one has said that the most spiritual people are the easiest to get along with. When one has a little of the Holy Ghost it is like "a little learning, a dangerous thing"; but a full baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a really disciplined, stablished and tested spiritual life, makes one simple, tender, tolerant, considerate of others, and like a little child. James and John, in their early zeal, wanted to call down fire from heaven on the
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Lord that Healeth Thee'
'He healed them that had need of healing.'--Luke ix. 11. Jesus was seeking a little quiet and rest for Himself and His followers. For that purpose He took one of the fishermen's boats to cross to the other side of the sea. But the crowd, inconsiderate and selfish, like all crowds, saw the course of the boat, and hurried, as they could easily do, on foot round the head of the lake, to be ready for Him wherever He might land. So when He touched the shore, there they all were, open-mouthed and mostly
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Prayer and Transfiguration
'And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered.'--LUKE ix. 29. This Evangelist is especially careful to record the instances of our Lord's prayers. That is in accordance with the emphasis which he places on Christ's manhood. In this narrative of the Transfiguration it is to Luke that we owe our knowledge of the connection between our Lord's prayer and the radiance of His face. It may be a question how far such transfiguration was the constant accompaniment of our Lord's devotion. It
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ Hastening to the Cross
'And it came to pass, when the time was come that He should be received up, He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.'--LUKE ix. 51. There are some difficulties, with which I need not trouble you here, as to bringing the section of this Gospel to which these words are the introduction, into its proper chronological place in relation to the narratives; but, putting these on one side for the present, there seems no doubt that the Evangelist's intention here is to represent the beginning of our
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Bread from Heaven
'And the apostles, when they were returned, told Him all that they had done. And He took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city, called Bethsaida. 11. And the people, when they knew it, followed Him; and He received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. 12. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto Him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ's Cross and Ours
'And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him; and He asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am I 19. They answering, said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 20. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering, said, The Christ of God. 21. And He straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22. Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

'In the Holy Mount'
'And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31. Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.'--LUKE ix. 30, 31. The mysterious incident which is commonly called the Transfiguration contained three distinct portions, each having its own special significance and lesson. The first was that supernatural change in the face and garments of our Lord from which the whole incident derives its name. The second was the appearance by His
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Following "Whithersoever"
One day as Jesus was passing along the highway, a man said to him, "I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest" (Luke 9: 57). This man no doubt was greatly impressed by the wonderful works and noble character of Christ. He thought that companionship with such a man would be full of blessing and richness. Just to see and hear would be worth any man's time and effort--to hear the gracious words that came from His lips would enrich mind and heart; to see the mighty works done would inspire. To him
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks

Gethsemane: the Strange, Lone Struggle. Matthew 26:36-46. Mark 14:32-42. Luke 22:39-46. Hebrews 5:7.
The Pathway in: messengers ahead--Jesus felt the cross drawing near--the look of His face, Luke 9:51-55.--His disciples afraid, Mark 10:32.--indignation against sin, John 11:33, 38. marginal reading American Revision.--the Greeks, John 12:20-28. The Climax of Suffering: the darkest shadow--why the struggle is strange--shock of extremes--His purpose in yielding--separation from the Father--Matthew 27:46. Mark 15:34 margin.--the superlative degree of suffering. Alone: a full evening, Matthew
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke ix. 57, Etc. , Where the Case of the Three Persons is Treated Of, of whom one Said, "I Will
1. Give ye ear to that which the Lord hath given me to speak on the lesson of the Gospel. For we have read, that the Lord Jesus acted differently, when one man offered himself to follow Him, and was disallowed; another did not dare this, and was aroused; a third put off, and was blamed. For the words, "Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest," [3246] what is so prompt, what so active, what so ready, and what so fitly disposed to so great a good, as this "following the Lord whithersoever
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Self-Denial
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23 1. It has been frequently imagined, that the direction here given related chiefly, if not wholly, to the Apostles; at least, to the Christians of the first ages, or those in a state of persecution. But this is a grievous mistake; For although our blessed Lord is here directing his discourse more immediately to his Apostles, and those other disciples who attended him
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Comer's Conflict with Satan
There are four points for our consideration this morning. That you may easily remember them I have made them alliterative: the devil's doings, designs, discovery, and defeat. I. First, THE DEVIL'S DOINGS. When this child came to Christ to be healed, the devil threw him down and tare him. Now this is an illustration of what Satan does with most, if not all sinners, when they come to Jesus to seek light and life through him; he throws them down and tears them. Allow me to point out how it is that the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Broken Column
"Lord, I will follow thee: but--." How remarkably does Scripture prove to us that the mental characteristics of mankind are the same now as in the Saviour's day! We occasionally hear stories of old skeletons being dug up which are greater in stature than men of these times. Some credit the story, some do not, for there be many who maintain that the physical conformation of man is at this day just what it always was. Certainly, however, there can be no dispute whatever among observant men as to the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."--Heb. 4:14. A CAREFUL reader of the Epistle to the Hebrews can hardly fail to observe that the words "let us" are found no less than four times in the fourth chapter. In the first verse you will read, "let us fear,"--in the eleventh verse, "let us labour,"--in the fourteenth verse, "let us hold fast,"--and in the sixteenth verse, "let us come boldly to the throne
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Self-Denial.
And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.'--St. Luke ix. 23, 24. Christ is the way out, and the way in; the way from slavery, conscious or unconscious, into liberty; the way from the unhomeliness of things to the home we desire but do not know; the way from the stormy skirts of the Father's garments
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Transfiguration.
"And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and John and James and went up into the mountain to pray."--LUKE ix. 28-36. The public life or our Lord falls into two parts; and the incident here recorded is the turning point between them. In order that He might leave behind Him when He died a sure foundation for His Church, it was necessary that His intimate companions should at all events know that He was the Christ, and that the Christ must enter into glory by suffering
Marcus Dods—How to become like Christ

Alone with God.
This life of ours will never be all that it should be unless we are much alone with God. Only those who are oft alone with him know the benefit that is derived therefrom. You can not be like God unless you are much with him, and you can not live like him unless you are like him. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus departed into the mountain to be alone with the Father and that he was often "alone praying." When Jesus had anything of great importance to say to his disciples, he always took them aside
C. E. Orr—How to Live a Holy Life

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