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“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’” –Luke 9:23-24
In Luke 9:23-24, Jesus Christ called upon His followers to “take up their cross daily” and follow Him. The same message is recorded in Matthew 16:24-25 and Mark 8:34-35.
The lesson is both figurative and literal. Jesus does not expect Christians to carry a large wooden cross in the same manner He did, walking their way to a crucifixion, though assuredly, some did. However, the primary lesson is figurative, allowing believers to reflect on the seriousness and importance of being in Christ. Jesus’ words underline the Greatest Commandment, which calls for devotion and love to God before all else (Matthew 22:37-40).
The passage also implies difficult times will follow, with the petition reading, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Jesus shares a similar message in Matthew:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:10-12
Interestingly, of the three Gospels that teach believers to pick up their cross and follow Christ, Luke is the only author to use the word “daily,” which is significant.
Christians are called to walk with the Lord every day, not halfheartedly or occasionally. It is not a one-time decision to call upon Christ but a life of commitment, resulting in both ups and downs.
Believers are called to be loyal and obedient to Christ (John 14:15). The Apostle Paul reinforced this lesson in Romans 12:2, urging Christians not to conform to this world. He echoed Jesus’ teaching in the original passage. However, the disciple John was perhaps even more direct, stating, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
While it is correct and appropriate to praise God in this temporary world and enjoy its blessings, embracing a heaven-first mentality is necessary for Christians. Being heavenly-focused keeps believers disciplined to love God and their neighbors as Scripture commands.
Christ knew the pains and difficulties of this world. Hence, it remains important to meditate daily on the true meaning of life. We are not called to sit idly by but to embrace Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.