‘“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”’ (Matthew 16:24 NIV).
Many of us today claim to be Christ’s disciples, but the big question is: do we understand what it means to be a
disciple of Christ Jesus? Towards the end of Christ’s earthly ministry, He had an opportunity to reveal to His followers what it means to be His disciple. Hence, without mincing words, Jesus clearly told them that anyone who would follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him.
Denying oneself means putting aside personal desires, ambitions, and comforts to prioritise God’s will. And taking up the cross means willingly enduring suffering, shame, pain and hardships for the sake of Christ. In Jesus’ time, “taking up a cross” meant facing the horrible pain and humiliation of Roman crucifixion. Because condemned criminals were forced to carry their cross as they went for crucifixion, but Jesus, on the contrary, willingly surrendered His life to suffer and died to redeem humanity.
Following Jesus is an active, daily choice, and it requires your commitment, obedience, and a willingness to walk in His footsteps, even when it’s difficult. Being a follower of Christ means surrendering your all and trusting in God’s plan. Are you ready to take up your cross? Are you willing to endure suffering, shame, pain and hardships for the sake of your faith in Christ? Are you ready to put aside personal desires, ambitions, and comforts to prioritise God’s will? May you be strengthened by the Lord as you decide today to be a true and faithful follower of Jesus.
Rev. Moses Abayomi Sodeinde
