Daily Devotional – Friday, June 16, 2023
If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Luke 9:23 (NKJV)
In the First Century, death on a cross was the cruelest form of punishment. Moreover, before the slow and painful death, the condemned criminal would carry his cross in public and endure shame and beatings from law enforcement officers and the public. It is within this background that Jesus spelt the threefold criteria of discipleship to His followers.
If Anyone Desires to Come After Me
Christ pronounced, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23). From the onset, Jesus made it clear to the disciples that associating with Him would come at a dear cost. Therefore, it was important that they make deliberate and informed choices.
Once you expresses the desire to follow Jesus, he must deny himself. This implies denouncing anything and anybody that impedes your relationship with the Lord. Incidentally, the word ‘deny’ used in this statement is the same one used to describe Peter’s actions on the day on Jesus’ trial. How much you love Jesus will determine your level of sacrifice for Him.
The Cost of Discipleship
The second criterion of discipleship is to take up your cross daily. Every day, you must endure the trials that come with professing Christianity. Some people will ridicule you. Others will oppress you. The joy of following Jesus will not prevent Satan from attempting to derail you. In fact, it will be his motivation. Hence, you must vigilant every day and rely fully on Jesus.
In addition, discipleship means following Jesus. Like a sheep, you must trust your Shepherd to lead you in the path of providence and safety. The term ‘Christian’ itself implies following Christ wherever He goes (Revelations 14:4). It means being an active believer and not just a churchgoer. The follower of Jesus on earth eventually follows Him into eternal bliss.
The Three Criteria of Discipleship
Jesus calls us to a life of abundance (John 10:10) but also one of total commitment and sacrifice. Most of the first disciples made the ultimate sacrifice. They suffered for Jesus and eventually died for Him, the same way He had given His life for them. To them, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was worth laying down their lives for Him.
When you consider what Christ has done for you, are you willing to live by the three criteria for discipleship? Is Christ your first priority? Do you deny yourself, carry your cross daily and follow Jesus faithfully? What amends do you need to make in your life in order to express your gratitude to Jesus for saving you?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, today, by Your grace and power, I commit to deny myself, take up my cross and follow You.
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Amen
Welcome, Martin.
Amen.. Indeed to be disciples of Christ we have to be committed and live by the criteria. Not partly but total commitment, bearing the cross and following Jesus. A radical lifestyle that requires us to die to ourselves daily and live for Christ completely. The criteria is the cost and it’s worth paying.
Thank you, Doc. There is a price to pay in carrying the cross but the reward is worth striving for.