The underlying figure is that of a condemned man who is forced to take up and carry his own cross to the place of execution. However, what the convict does under duress, the disciple of Christ does willingly. He voluntarily and decisively accepts the pain, shame, and persecution that is going to be his particular – note: his, not someone else’s – lot because of his loyalty to Christ and his cause.
— William Hendriksen (1900–1982), Neutestamentler, Theologieprofessor und Pastor
Related Bible passage: MAT.16.24
Topics: Discipleship, Suffering & the Question of God
Occasions: For Reflection
William Hendriksen
William Hendriksen (1900–1982) war ein US-amerikanischer reformierter Pastor und Theologieprofessor niederländischer Herkunft. Er wurde vor allem durch seine umfangreiche neutestamentliche Kommentarreihe sowie sein Werk „More Than Conquerors“ bekannt, in dem er die Offenbarung des Johannes nach dem Modell des progressiven Parallelismus auslegte. Für heutige Bibelleser bietet sein Werk eine sprachlich fundierte Schriftauslegung an den biblischen Grundtexten, die konfessionell reformierte Dogmatik mit praktischer Anwendung verbindet.
All quotes by William Hendriksen (10)
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
In a sense, learning to follow Jesus is simply learning to pray the Lord’s Prayer.
N.T. Wright
Being a Christian is not a 'do-it-yourself' affair.
Jerry Bridges
God has not called us to success, only to faithfulness.
Mother Teresa
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot
Do not be afraid of Christ. He demands nothing and he gives everything.
Pope Benedict XVI
A Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent.
C.S. Lewis