Take Up Your Cross
Following Jesus on the path of self-denial.
The cost and glory of true discipleship.
The big idea
You find your true self only when you lose your life for Christ.
Opening scripture
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”
What does “Take Up Your Cross” walk through?
Take Up Your Cross
Matthew 16:24 · KJV
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
In plain English
Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'
The Deeper Lesson
This narrative in Matthew reminds us of God's sovereign hand in human history. The cost and glory of true discipleship. When we trust God's promises, our perspective shifts.
“You find your true self only when you lose your life for Christ.”
Pray
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith through the truth of Matthew 16:24. Help me live boldly in Your grace today. Amen.
Write it down
What encouraging takeaway from Matthew 16:24 speaks to you today?
Stand Strong
Keep running your race with eyes fixed on Jesus.
Which passages does this journey use?
One passage, drawn from Matthew 16:24. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 4 minutes for the whole thing, or 4 short sittings.
- Matthew 16:24
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Passages Through the Bible
All Passages Through the Bible →The Art of Abiding
Why connection matters more than production.
The Secret of Contentment
Finding sufficiency in every circumstance.
The Guard at the Gate
Guarding the entrance to your inner thoughts.
The Living Well
Quenching the soul's deepest thirst.
The Armor of Truth
Standing firm in a culture of compromise.
The Pearl Merchant
Discovering the supreme value of the Kingdom.