Committed to death
Scripture: (38) Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (39) Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
Observation: The cross was a brutal instrument of death by crucifixion and the disciples would have been familiar with Jesus' use of the cross as a symbol of total commitment. He didn't just say "Come, follow me." He said "Take up your cross and follow me." Jesus is basically saying, "I'm calling you to a life of total commitment. You can hold nothing back to follow me and you must be prepared to die for the cause I'm calling you to. And by the way, the reward you receive is worth far more than the life you lay down."
Application: Jesus isn't calling me to a casual encounter with him. He wants me to lay down my life and give up everything important to me in this life. His call is radical and the commitment he requires is radical. Am I ready and willing to follow his call on my life?
Prayer: Lord help me comprehend what you require of me and more importantly please give me the strength necessary to follow you. I want to be worthy to be called your disciple. Show me what total commitment looks like.
Created about 1 year ago
