Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Dear beloved, today, we want to assess one of the most challenging and profound teachings of Jesus Christ: the call to take up our cross and follow Him. This call is not just a suggestion but a fundamental aspect of discipleship. It’s an invitation to a life of surrender, sacrifice, and ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

To truly grasp what Jesus means by “take up your cross,” we must first understand the significance of the cross in His time. The cross was a symbol of suffering, shame, and death. It was an instrument of Roman execution, representing the ultimate cost. When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, He is inviting us to embrace a path that includes suffering, self-denial, and a willingness to endure hardship for His sake.

Jesus begins by saying, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves.” This is countercultural in a world that often promotes self-fulfillment and self-indulgence. Denying ourselves means putting aside our own desires, ambitions, and comforts to prioritize God’s will. It is an act of submission and trust, acknowledging that God’s plans for us are far greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves.

Taking up our cross involves a daily commitment to live out our faith, even when it is difficult. It means being willing to face ridicule, opposition, and even persecution for our beliefs. It is a call to be steadfast in our journey with Christ, no matter the cost. This can manifest in various ways: standing up for righteousness, serving others selflessly, and persevering through trials with faith.

Following Jesus is the essence of discipleship. It means walking in His footsteps, emulating His love, compassion, and obedience to the Father. It is a continuous journey of learning, growing, and becoming more like Christ. As we follow Him, we are transformed by His presence and empowered by His Spirit to live out our calling.

Jesus presents a paradox: “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” This statement challenges our natural inclination to preserve our lives at all costs. True life, Jesus teaches, is found in surrendering our lives to Him. When we let go of our own agendas and entrust our lives to Jesus, we discover the abundant, eternal life He promises.

Jesus asks, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” This question invites us to consider the eternal perspective. Our earthly achievements and possessions are temporary, but our souls are eternal. Prioritizing our relationship with God and our spiritual well-being is of utmost importance. We are called to invest in what lasts forever, rather than chasing after fleeting worldly gains.

The call to take up our cross and follow Jesus is a radical and transformative invitation. It requires us to deny ourselves, embrace the path of sacrifice, and follow Jesus with unwavering devotion. As we respond to this call, we find true life, purpose, and fulfillment in Christ. Let us commit ourselves anew to this journey of discipleship, trusting that as we lose our lives for His sake, we will find the abundant life He offers.