2. The disciple is the disciple of the cross. "If any man will come after- me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matt. 16:2424Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24).) Chapters xvi., xvii., and xviii. contain the Lord's instruction to the Jewish remnant about discipleship. When Peter heard that "the Teacher" was to be insulted and killed in Jerusalem and by the priests, he said, Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee. But Jesus said that this care by Peter of His body was Satanic and offensive to Him; for it was the result of not looking up to God's feelings and will, but to man's: Peter had not the same center herein as Christ: and then conies verse 24.
The disciple is called to be as the Master (chap. 10:24, 25); and he will find faithful discipleship leads to much suffering; and the worst of all is that which comes from what bears God's name upon the earth, without the power of it. But the disciple cannot help this, or stop in it-for to stay would be to sit down for eternity in what will be shortly judged by God in His wrath with eternal fire. The avenger of blood is behind him-and onward he will rush; though the way into the city of refuge be rough the place is safe when he gets there-for there there is no avenger, no judgment, but peace, and safety; and though the way be rough to the city, it is short.