The Way DAY 46 - Pick Up Your Cross

DAY 46 - Pick Up Your Cross

Luke 9:21-27
 
Before we have time to wonder why Jesus would embrace suffering and death, he turns to us (yes, you and me). He says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple (that’s most of us) must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

We learn a lot in one sentence!

First, Jesus will die on a cross. This is the first mention of crucifixion. Crucifixion was grotesque, a symbol of total failure. Crucifixion was insult on top of injury - and Jesus won’t hide from it.

But it’s so much more to Jesus! The cross is a radical act of self-denial to give us life. He carries his cross to carry away our sin. He carries his cross to carry us into the arms of God the Father. That’s not unique to Jesus’ death, it’s how he lives his whole life! His whole life is consumed by making sure we have life. His life and his death are reflections.

Second, our lives should mirror Jesus’ life. Jesus isn’t about inspirational quotes to give us a pick-me-up to get through the workweek. He’s teaching and modeling a lifestyle for us, even in the way he dies. He wants you to follow him, even to the point of carrying a cross. He carries away our sin and carries us to God, but not by letting us escape the cross for ourselves. We join him there. He carried you so you can follow him - even to the cross.

REFLECT
How is Jesus’ death on the cross unique? How is Jesus’ death on the cross an example for us?

PRAY
Thank you, Lord, for going to the cross for me. Give me courage to follow you, even to the cross. Amen.