“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” – Luke 9:23

Let’s be honest: this isn’t the verse we put on coffee mugs or inspirational posters. Jesus doesn’t ease us into discipleship with comfortable promises. He starts with the hard truth: following Him means saying no to ourselves and yes to Him. We’re either disciples of Jesus or disciples of ourselves, there’s no middle ground. When Jesus talks about taking up your cross, He’s not referring to the beautiful jewelry we wear or the decorative crosses on our walls. In His day, the cross was an instrument of brutal execution. He’s asking, “Are you willing to suffer for Me? Are you willing to die for Me?” That’s the entrance requirement.

This isn’t a one-time decision made at an altar call; it’s a daily choice. Every morning we wake up and decide: Will I live for my comfort, my preferences, my agenda? Or will I deny those things and follow Jesus wherever He leads? Here’s what’s remarkable: when we make Jesus our primary allegiance (above spouse, children, career, comfort) we actually become better at loving all those other things. When He’s first, everything else falls into proper order. The pastor shared about a man who prayed that if having cancer would help him minister more effectively to others with cancer, God would give him cancer. That’s the kind of radical surrender Jesus is calling us to. What are you holding onto that Jesus is asking you to release?

Reflect:

• In what areas of your life are you still a disciple of yourself rather than a disciple of Jesus? Where are you prioritizing your comfort, reputation, or preferences over obedience to Him?
• What does “taking up your cross daily” look like practically in your current season of life? What would it mean to be willing to suffer or sacrifice for Jesus today?
• Confess the areas where you’ve been following yourself instead of Jesus. Ask Him for the grace to deny yourself daily and the courage to take up your cross, whatever that looks like in your life.