Can You Drink The Cup?

I am reading NT Wright’s book: Following Jesus, Biblical Reflections of Discipleship. I have decided to read it during Lent. It is a series of sermons he preached in the weeks leading up to Easter, following Jesus to the cross. The whole idea of following Jesus has been glamorized by our culture. It is almost trendy.

I am not sure we have thought deeply enough about this whole thing. Jesus went to the cross. He asks us to follow. I, like Peter, exclaim that "I am willing to fight and die to keep them from taking you to the cross!" And then I find later that I have denied knowing him three times.

“Can you drink the cup?” Jesus asked. Am I willing to drink the cup of sorrow? Am I willing to drink the cup of suffering? Am I willing to drink the cup of obedience that leads to death? I can’t. I can’t unless the power of Christ strengthens me in my time of trial. Unless he upholds me as I follow, I cannot follow. If left to my own decisions and choices I would quickly turn back and focus on my own life; on surviving; on living a life of comfort and self-glorification.

Jesus says, ‘Follow me. My way leads to the cross. It is bitter. Yet in giving up all things, you will find joy. In dying, you will find life.” Am I sure I want to follow? Even if it leads to death; death on a cross?