Luke 9:23

THE INWARD LIFE OF A STEWARD
Surrender

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

One of the most difficult sayings of Jesus is found in Luke 9:23. Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (ESV). The cross in Jesus’ day was used for only one purpose — to kill someone. The imagery He is giving us is quite dramatic. He is not calling us to a one-time, sacrificial death for “the cause.” The sacrifice He is describing is daily. Each day, we are to put to death our wishes, our desires, our agenda, our comforts, our free time, and our hopes for the greater good of the Kingdom and the world we seek to win. How are you doing denying yourself and bearing the cross? Think about it.