Luke Chapter 9

Jesus said, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” For a long time, I wondered how this verse applied to me. What cross was I to pick up? The first time I meditated on this verse was a few years back. I looked at commentaries and even heard sermons preached on this topic and still it was not sinking into my heart what this meant. I knew that I was not in the category of those who have rejected Christ, I am a born-again believer, redeemed by the blood of Christ. I hold fast to the truth that my life is firmly grasped in His palms.

What I wanted to know was what did Jesus want me to do with this verse about taking up my cross daily? Maybe you’ve had the same question? You are a believer and want to do what pleases the Lord, but maybe you have questioned what it literally means to take up your cross to follow Jesus?

I was determined NOT to ask a pastor or some other church leader for the answer I was seeking. I just kept praying about it and searching for the answer in scripture. One day a light bulb came on for me, while listening to a sermon. I realized that the idea of taking up our cross as a believer can mean something different for everyone. It could be things in our life that are great burdens, it could be our own brokenness, our desire for wealth, our health issues, an unforgiving spirit, a fear of the unknown, and a host of many other things. These are things that can keep us from fully allowing our heart to be molded to be more in tune with His heart. These are things that will keep us from fulfilling our life’s purpose to serve Him daily.

If in your mind you think to yourself, “I would love to be a great Christian and have a great testimony for Jesus, but there is _____________________ that is standing in the way.” That thing that you put in the blank, is the cross that you must pick up and yield yourself wholly to Christ. My friend, Jesus already knows about that difficult situation in your life, and He has already told you that He is big enough to handle it for you. All He is waiting for is you to give that burden over to Him.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Let's Reflect

1. This idea of picking up our cross as an unbeliever is the idea of something that would hold us back from becoming a Christian. What happens to the person who feels that his or her purpose in life is to gain the whole world and does not feel a need for Jesus?

2. I guess you could assume that once a person has been forgiven by Jesus, it should be natural that they would gladly pick up their cross to follow Jesus. For some of us, we accepted Christ years ago, yet there is still something holding us back from “going all in for JESUS.” Are you going all in for JESUS?

3. The twelve apostles were men who I’m sure felt like they had other responsibilities that they should be taking care of, but they were willing to follow Jesus wherever He went. Because they were willing, what did Jesus give to them? See verses 2 and 6.

4. Do you see the compassion Jesus has for you? What many examples of compassion do you see in just this 9thchapter that Jesus had great love for people?

5. The greatest testament of His love for people is found in verse 22 what is it?

6. He did not want the apostles to declare Him to others as the Messiah, because of His need to complete the purpose for which He came. That purpose is also found in verse 22. What was it? The declaration would come after this event!

7. Some people are enamored with the idea of being a Christ follower. They get excited about the idea, emotional even, but when it comes right down to it, they are holding too tightly to something in their life that doesn’t allow them to be a true follower. Jesus found that to be the case for the person in verse 57. Jesus knew he wasn’t really ready for what circumstances? For others Jesus knew that they would always have other priorities that they deemed more important than serving Christ. Funny how He truly knows the real us.

If you couldn’t think of what it is that is holding you back from serving Jesus, I encourage you to pray about it and ask Him to show you. But I caution you to know this – there is a cost to follow Jesus. But He is so worth the cost!