Logos software is the Interpretation Bible Commentary series, which offers insights and applications from different perspectives on the biblical text. According to the Interpretation Bible Commentary volume on Matthew by Mark Allan Powell1, Matthew 16:24-25 is a passage that challenges the disciples and the readers to follow Jesus in the way of the cross, which means denying oneself, renouncing worldly values, and risking one’s life for the sake of the gospel. Powell writes:
The passage is not about self-improvement or self-actualization; it is about self-denial. It is not about finding oneself; it is about losing oneself. It is not about becoming great; it is about becoming nothing. It is not about saving one’s life; it is about giving it up. And yet, paradoxically, it is precisely in this way that one finds true life, the life that really matters, the life that is really worth living. (p. 304)
Powell also notes that Matthew 16:24-25 is connected to the larger theme of the presence and absence of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. He explains:
The passage anticipates the death and resurrection of Jesus, which will create a situation in which the disciples will experience both the presence and the absence of Jesus in new ways. They will have to continue his mission without his physical presence, but with the assurance of his spiritual presence. They will have to take up their own crosses and follow him, but with the promise of sharing in his glory. (p. 305)
Therefore, Logos software interprets Matthew 16:24-25 as a call to discipleship that involves both sacrifice and reward, both loss and gain, both death and life.
1: Matthew (Interpretation Bible Commentary) by Mark Allan Powell
Adrian - wallow in self pity
Eugene Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and translator of The Message, a paraphrase of the Bible in contemporary English. He interpreted Matthew 16:24-25 as follows:
“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?”1
Peterson’s interpretation emphasizes the contrast between Jesus’ way and the world’s way. He uses colloquial language and rhetorical questions to convey the radical nature of Jesus’ call to discipleship. He also highlights the paradox of losing one’s life to find it, and the value of one’s soul over worldly gain. Peterson’s interpretation is meant to capture the tone and meaning of the original text in a way that speaks to modern readers.
”Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?“
Matthew 16:24-26 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.16.24-26.MSG
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