The Cross and a New Paradigm of Discipleship | Passion Sunday Sermon
by ReverendBVR.com

Date: April 6, 2025 | Occasion: Passion Sunday | Topic: The Cross and a New Paradigm of Discipleship.

You can refer to the full sermon at this link: The Cross and a New Paradigm of Discipleship

Introduction: Preparing for Passion Sunday and the Cross

As we near the end of the season of Lent, our hearts are drawn ever closer to the ultimate act of love and sacrifice—the Cross. On this Passion Sunday, the 5th Sunday in Lent and 2nd Sunday before Easter, we pause to reflect on what it truly means to follow Christ. Today, we embrace a new paradigm of discipleship—one not defined by the pursuit of worldly success or the avoidance of struggles, but one rooted in humility, sacrifice, and a radical reorientation of our priorities.

1. The Cross: A Radical Shift in the Way We Follow Christ

Understanding the Cross: A Symbol of Suffering, Sacrifice, and Love

The cross stands at the heart of our Christian faith, symbolizing suffering, sacrifice, and love—values that often conflict with the ideals of the world. Discipleship is not about living a life free from struggle, but rather about embracing the challenges we face as opportunities for spiritual growth.

The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:21-31 gives us a powerful example of how suffering shapes our discipleship journey. Paul recounts his own experiences of being beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and betrayed. Yet, in verse 30, he writes, "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." This paradox reflects a core truth in Christianity: God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Through the cross, we learn that our greatest victories often come through our greatest defeats. The cross is a reminder that humility and self-sacrifice—not worldly success—are the true markers of a life transformed by Christ.

2. The New Paradigm of Discipleship: Living in God's Favor Amidst Opposition

Isaac’s Faith: A Model for Discipleship Amidst Challenges

In Genesis 26:12-33, we find the story of Isaac, whose life demonstrates the favor of God, even in the face of opposition. Isaac’s faithfulness leads to blessings and abundance, despite challenges like envy and hostility from others. When the Philistines stop up his father’s wells, Isaac reopens them and keeps moving forward.

Isaac's story is a profound example of the new paradigm of discipleship. In our own lives, we may face opposition, envy, or moments of scarcity, but like Isaac, we are called to press on, trusting that God’s favor is not tied to external success but to our faithfulness in Him.

3. Faith: The Key to Transformation and Miracles in Discipleship

Bartimaeus: A Blind Man’s Faith that Led to Transformation

In Mark 10:46-52, we encounter Bartimaeus, a blind man whose faith leads to a miraculous healing. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus boldly cries out for mercy, saying, “Rabbi, I want to see.” His unwavering faith moves Jesus, and immediately, Bartimaeus is healed.

This moment reveals the transformative power of faith in discipleship. Faith does more than open our eyes to the physical world—it opens us to a new way of seeing life. In discipleship, the cross becomes the center of our perspective, and service and sacrifice become the true measures of success.

4. The Righteous Will Flourish: Endurance and Growth Through Trials

Flourishing in Faith: Psalm 92 and the Promise of Growth

In Psalm 92:12-15, we are given a beautiful promise: “The righteous will flourish like the palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.” This flourishing isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about enduring with faith and remaining rooted in God’s faithfulness. Even amidst struggles, the righteous will continue to grow and bear fruit.

Discipleship, then, is a life of growth, not despite opposition, but through it. As disciples, we are called to remain steadfast in Christ, trusting that He will help us bear fruit for His glory—no matter the circumstances.

5. The Cross and the New Paradigm of Discipleship

A New Way of Discipleship: Embracing Suffering and Transformation

In conclusion, the cross offers a new paradigm of discipleship—one that transcends the pursuit of worldly success and instead embraces the transformative power of God in our lives. Like Isaac, we are called to persevere through opposition. Like Paul, we are invited to boast in our weaknesses, knowing that God is glorified through them. And like Bartimaeus, we are invited to step forward in faith, trusting that an encounter with Jesus brings new life, new vision, and transformation.

As we approach Easter, let us embrace this new paradigm of discipleship, taking up our cross and discovering the true life, peace, and freedom that only Christ can offer.

Prayer: Let Us Pray

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the cross of Christ, a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and love. We recognize that discipleship is not about achieving worldly success, but about following Jesus with faith, perseverance, and love. Help us to embrace suffering as a means of growing in our dependence on You, just as Jesus did.

Like Isaac, may we press forward with boldness in the face of opposition; like Paul, may we boast in our weaknesses, knowing that You are our strength; like Bartimaeus, may we call out in faith, trusting that You will heal and restore us.

Prepare our hearts for the glory of Easter, where we experience the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection. May we find hope and joy in the midst of trials, knowing that in You, we are more than conquerors.

In Jesus' name, we pray.
† Amen