**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about the thought process behind Matthew 16:25?

**Author (Matthew):** Absolutely, it’s a pleasure to be here. The verse reads, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

**Interviewer:** That’s quite a powerful statement. What inspired you to write this?

**Matthew:** This idea came to me as I reflected on the teachings of Jesus. He often spoke of the paradox of life—how the ways of the world are reversed in the Kingdom of Heaven. The more we cling to our own desires and safety, the more we risk losing our true purpose.

**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re suggesting a counterintuitive approach to life. Can you explain that a little further?

**Matthew:** Yes, precisely. Jesus emphasized that real life, abundant life, comes from surrendering ourselves—our ambitions, our need for control—especially in service to Him. It’s about recognizing that true fulfillment isn’t found in self-preservation. Rather, it’s in giving ourselves away, often for the sake of something greater than ourselves.

**Interviewer:** How do you think this message was received by your audience at the time?

**Matthew:** It was met with a mix of understanding and resistance. Many were concerned with their physical safety and social standing. But those who genuinely encountered Jesus found this teaching liberating. It challenged them to rethink their values and what it meant to live fully.

**Interviewer:** What do you hope readers today take away from this verse?

**Matthew:** I hope they realize that the invitation to follow Jesus is radical—it calls for a deep trust in Him. Losing one’s life for His sake can lead to a transformative discovery of what it truly means to live. Ultimately, it’s about finding true purpose and hope, even amidst trials.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Matthew. It’s been enlightening discussing this profound lesson with you.

**Matthew:** Thank you for having me. I hope it encourages others to seek life in its fullest sense.