Robert E Rasmussen.com

I hope I can help you see the beauty of this thought!

As important as it is to understand each part individually, the genius of God’s method of discipling us is fully appreciated as we view all the parts as one whole. And because this whole repeats itself frequently in the life of every disciple, I call it “the gospel cycle.” Taken together, this cycle is one that you will encounter many times over on your trek around every bend of the Jesus trail.

You will recognize that the pattern of following the Jesus way is identical to the core elements of the gospel as taught by the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:1-4, emphasis mine).

Death. Burial. Resurrection. These form the rock-solid core of Jesus’ work. As I began studying the implications of the gospel in discipleship, it became evident to me that Jesus’ surrender in Gethsemane was the essential prerequisite which led Him to the obedience of death. I have therefore come to understand surrender as the first element of the gospel cycle which was necessary for Jesus, and is necessary for us, if we are to follow His way.

This simple insight will lead to great benefits in understanding what God is doing in our lives!