Take Up Your Cross

Luke 9:23 (ESV) — “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”

Take up your cross is Jesus’ call to radical, daily discipleship, not occasional religious performance.

The Call to Daily Denial

Follow Jesus —deny yourself, make a daily commitment with bold obedience. There is no room for entitlement or half-heartedness. True followers put others first, just as Christ did. That means laying down pride, privilege, and preference.

Not Just on Sunday

Jesus said, “take up your cross daily.” This isn’t a once-a-week faith. It’s a seven-day-a-week surrender. Monday through Sunday, we walk in love, truth, and service. We don’t get spiritual days off. Faith is not a performance—it’s a lifestyle.

Following Jesus Takes You Places

The path of Jesus often leads to uncomfortable places—where needs are greatest:

Visiting those in prison
Caring for the sick in hospitals
Feeding the hungry and clothing the poor
Welcoming strangers with grace
Giving water to the thirsty

Jesus walked toward the hurting, not away from them. To follow Him means we do the same—loving the least, last, and lost.

So what’s the sign-up process to follow Christ? It’s simple, but not easy. The sign-up sheet is at the Cross. Good morning—and bring your heart.

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7

Let Us Pray

Lord Jesus, help me to deny myself daily and follow You wherever You lead. Give me a heart for the hurting, courage for the hard places, and faith for the journey. Amen.