Scripture:
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'”
— Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)
Points:
- Following Jesus requires denying self — putting His will above our own.
- The cross is a symbol of death — to sin, pride, and selfish ambition.
- Daily discipleship means consistent surrender.
- True life is found through losing it for Christ’s sake.
- This path is hard, but it leads to eternal joy.
Poem: The Way of the Cross
This road is not the path of ease.
It doesn’t chase what I once prized.
It calls me to lay down my will,
To carry what I’d rather drop,
To follow where You choose to lead.
You walked this way with scars and grace.
You bore the weight that wasn’t Yours.
You didn’t shrink from pain or loss,
But gave Your life to bring us peace,
And called us to the same each day.
To follow You is not to float.
It’s not escape, but holy war.
It’s waking up to die again—
To kill the pride that wants control,
And let Your purpose shape my steps.
The cross I bear is not for show.
It digs into my deepest love.
It asks for time and voice and dream.
But in that loss, I gain Your joy.
In dying, I find greater life.
So I will take what You provide.
No longer clinging to my plans.
I choose the cross, I choose the way.
I follow You, my Lord, my life.
And in that walk, I find my peace.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me deny myself today. Give me the courage to take up my cross and follow You. Let me trust You more than I trust myself. Amen.
