Taking Up Your Cross

Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:18-27)

Our willing dependence on God's faithful provision marks Luke 9. Yet, hearing Jesus say He must face rejection, suffering, and death soon after feeding the 5,000 must- haves disturbed his followers. The imagery and blunt language Jesus used to instruct His disciples most certainly captured their attention. Everyone who heard Jesus' words understood the gravity of the cross. In the Roman world, a man sentenced to die on a cross was first forced to carry the cross to the location of His own execution. This fact was not lost on those who heard Jesus say these words.

In truth, a cross is heavy and awkward to carry, and it is not subtle and is difficult to ignore. A cross is public and often attracts disdain and ridicule, and it is severe and lethal and implies finality. And still, Jesus asks His followers (us) to voluntarily take up our cross daily.

Choosing to take up a cross and deny one's self-interest appears against our own thoughts. Self-preservation and promotion are the norms today. Denying oneself in our culture is radical and awkward, and it will probably attract suspicion and mockery. Choosing to crucify our selfish desire to accept earthly treasures in exchange for eternal joy is hard because Satan is relentless in offering distractions. Therefore, carrying the cross requires relentless daily focus. Crucifixion is severe and lethal. Fortunately, Jesus changed the narrative and showed us how the path to crucifixion can lead to life... a joyous, eternal life with Him.

LET US PRAY - Lord, we pray that we will not be enticed to invest our energy and efforts into short-term desires at the expense of following You. We pray for a relentless desire to follow Your will. Help us be bold in telling others that an eternal life with Jesus Christ outweighs anything the world can offer. In Jesus' name. Amen.