In the Gospel of Matthew 16:24–27, Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him—a summons not to comfort, but to costly discipleship. He teaches that trying to save your life on your own terms leads to loss, but surrendering it for His sake leads to true life. In light of His coming glory and judgment, Jesus reminds us that nothing we gain in this world compares to the eternal worth of belonging fully to Him.