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 self-denial — choosing His will over our own.
- Taking up our cross means embracing sacrificial obedience.
- The cross is not suffering for its own sake, but surrender for His sake.
- Jesus leads by example — He denied Himself for our salvation.
- Christian living is not about comfort but about faithfulness.
Poem: The Narrow Way
He called me not to stand and watch.
He did not promise ease or fame.
He said, “Deny yourself and come.”
Not part of me, but all I am.
To follow Him is all or none.
The cross I carry is not His,
But mine to bear because He leads.
It marks my death to self and pride.
It marks the path of chosen love.
It turns the road to something new.
The world says, “Take,” but He says, “Give.”
The world says, “Rise,” He says, “Bow low.”
The way is steep, the climb is long.
But at the end is life and joy.
And at each step, He walks ahead.
I lose my grip on what once ruled.
I find my soul as pride lets go.
And though the path feels small and hard,
I walk in peace that few can fake.
For Christ Himself is at my side.
So I deny what holds me back.
I take the cross and not the crown.
I follow Him who gave it all.
And in His steps I find the truth—
That life begins when self is lost.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me deny myself today. Teach me to follow You with my whole heart, bearing the cross of obedience with joy. You are worth everything. Amen.
