Matthew 16:25 gives the basis for the statements in Matthew 16:24 about self-denial and taking up the cross. The willingness to lose yourself unto death connects to one’s following Jesus on this path, and so losing everything for his sake, but also only gaining life through him alone. We will not enter the kingdom of God through our sacrifice, but as a gift of grace. Our life depends on Christ’s death.
Matthew 16:25 provides the rationale for preceding statements in Matthew 16:24 concerning self-denial and taking up the cross, which must have come across as rather crude to the disciples. The willingness to lose yourself unto death is connected to the fact that one follows Jesus on this path. We must be willing to lose everything for his sake, and at the same time we are also only able to receive life through him alone. We will not enter the kingdom of God in a contested, triumphal way, but as a gift of grace. Our life depends entirely on Christ and his death.1
25 For whoever would save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.