The cross wasn’t just a metaphor, It Was A Call To die to self.
Imagine hearing these words for the first time: “Take up your cross daily.” Back then, the cross didn’t mean hope. It wasn’t a symbol you wore around your neck or saw on church buildings. It stood for something terrifying. The cross was Rome’s way of dealing with criminals – a very public, painful, and humiliating way to die.
So when Jesus told His followers to “take up your cross,” people weren’t picturing a tough day at work or an annoying neighbor. They heard, “Be ready to give up everything. Even your own life, if that’s what it takes.” Talk about shocking! When Jesus said this He wasn’t calling His followers to a cozy, comfortable life. He was asking for total surrender and obedience, no matter what it cost.
And Jesus didn’t put this challenge out there for no reason. He had just told His disciples that He Himself would suffer, be rejected, and even die before rising again. Then, right away, He invited anyone who wanted to follow Him to get ready for a similar road.
In a world where most people wanted to chase their dreams or look out only for themselves and their loved ones, Jesus was calling for something bigger – self-denial, sacrifice, and a willingness to let go of everything for God. It sounded wild then and it’s just as hard to hear it now.
Today’s Scripture
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
Breakdown of the Verse
“If anyone would come after me…”
Jesus invites everyone to follow him, but He doesn’t promise it will be easy.
“Let him deny himself…”
This is more than saying no to yourself every once in a while. It means putting God’s will above your own desires every day. Self-denial is about shifting the focus from “What do I want?” to “What does God want from me?”
“Take up his cross daily…”
The cross means suffering, rejection, and ultimately, death. To “take up your cross” is not about bearing a personal difficulty or inconvenience. Instead, it’s a call to die to your old ways, sinful habits, pride, and selfish dreams. Every day, Jesus calls His followers to willingly accept difficulties for His sake, and to put to death anything that keeps us from Him.
“And follow me.”
The end goal is not just sacrifice, but following Jesus wherever He leads us. It’s a life of ongoing obedience and surrender to Jesus, who saved us by literally bearing the cross.
Jesus’ Promise
While this teaching seems hard, Jesus points us to a promise: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). The path of self-denial leads to true, lasting life with Him.
What This Means For Us Today
Today, the cross has a softer image and we see it as a symbol of hope, love, and faith. Some wear it as jewelry; others hang it in their homes. The phrase “my cross to bear” often means living with a tough situation or a challenging person.
But Jesus’ words still go much deeper. He still asks His followers to say no to selfishness, let go of their own plans, and put Him first, even when it’s tough, unpopular, or costly. He’s still inviting us to give our whole selves, not just our Sunday mornings or in spare change and it’s definitely not about looking religious.
Following Jesus still means making hard choices and putting Him first, even when it costs us friends, comfort, or our own dreams. The cross, both then and now, is about dying to our old ways and living for something bigger: God’s purpose for our lives.
Faith in Action
How can we take up our cross daily in real life?
Dig Deeper With Journaling Prompts
Affirmation
Today, I choose to surrender my plans, desires, and comfort to Jesus.
Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus,
You carried Your cross out of love for me. Help me to follow You with all my heart. Give me the strength to deny myself and take up my cross every day. When I am tempted by comfort, pride, or fear, remind me that true life is found in You alone. I surrender all that I am to Your will. Lead me, teach me, and empower me to be Your faithful disciple.
Amen.
