What does it really mean to follow Jesus? This is a question that challenges every believer, and it’s at the heart of Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23,“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Many of us have grown up hearing that Jesus died for our sins so that we don’t have to. That’s true—His sacrifice on the cross is the foundation of our salvation. But if we stop there, we miss a crucial part of the gospel: Jesus doesn’t just call us to believe in Him. He calls us to follow Him.
Following Jesus is more than admiring what He has done—it means walking the same road He walked, even when that road leads to a cross.
What It Means to Take Up Your Cross
Jesus’ words in Luke 9 are not just for pastors, missionaries, or spiritual elites. He speaks to everyone—to all who would follow Him. And His command is clear:
- Deny yourself – This means surrendering our ambitions, priorities, and desires to align with God’s purposes.
- Take up your cross – A cross wasn’t just a burden—it was an instrument of death. To take up our cross means dying to ourselves, our comforts, and even our reputation for the sake of Christ.
- Do it daily – This isn’t a one-time decision but a way of life. Every day, we are called to crucify our selfish desires and follow Jesus wherever He leads.
The Struggle of Self-Denial
Self-denial is not something that comes naturally to us. In our culture, we are encouraged to pursue happiness, comfort, and success at all costs. But Jesus flips that upside down. He tells us that the way to gain life is to lose it (Luke 9:24).
This doesn’t mean we become miserable or reject all joy. Instead, it means we stop chasing our own agenda and trust that God’s way is better. It’s about surrender—giving up our version of life to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers.
The Willingness to Suffer
Taking up our cross also means being willing to suffer. In North American Christianity, we are often tempted to equate faith with comfort. We expect God to bless us, protect us, and keep us from hardship. But Jesus never promised an easy road—He promised a cross.
That might mean facing rejection, being misunderstood, or making sacrifices that others don’t understand. It might mean enduring hardship for the sake of righteousness. But here’s the good news: Jesus carried His cross before us, and He walks with us still.
Total Commitment
When Jesus says, “Follow me,” He isn’t inviting us to be casual fans—He’s calling us to total commitment. This means recognizing that our lives are no longer our own. Our time, our resources, our relationships—they all belong to Him.
When we say “yes” to Jesus, we are saying “no” to a life of self-rule. We are choosing to let Him define our purpose, shape our character, and lead our steps.
Are You Following or Just Watching?
Lent is a season of reflection, fasting, and spiritual renewal. It’s a time to examine whether we are truly following Jesus—or just watching from a safe distance.
So, let me ask you: What is the one thing in your life that Jesus is calling you to surrender today?
Maybe it’s an ambition you’ve been holding onto.
Maybe it’s a habit that needs to go.
Maybe it’s fear that keeps you from stepping into God’s calling.
Whatever it is, take it to the cross. Because the promise of Jesus is clear:
“Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” – Luke 9:24
This week, take some time to reflect, pray, and commit to the daily journey of discipleship. Because Jesus isn’t just looking for admirers—He’s calling followers.
