Matthew 16
Today's Passage: Matthew 16
What does it mean for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus? This passage is often quoted in Christian circles, and we know that it means we should follow the example of Jesus, but do we know what it means to pick up our cross?
The cross was an emblem of suffering and death. The cross was the Roman Empire’s signature mode of execution. So when Jesus calls us to take up our cross - he means to put to death our flesh, worldly desires, and selfish ambitions. We are not adding Jesus to our buffet plate, we are throwing everything out and starting with Christ. He is not an addition, he is the foundation.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20
This is not just a one-time decision. We have to take up our cross and put death our flesh daily! Over and over, moment by moment, temptation after temptation, we must choose to follow Christ over our flesh. A lifetime lived for God is made up of moments lived for God. So choose today, to deny yourself and to choose to follow Jesus. Choose to honor him with every area of your life: your home, work, finance, and marriage no matter what it may cost you. Choose Jesus.
Written By: Joe Weaver
What does it mean for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus? This passage is often quoted in Christian circles, and we know that it means we should follow the example of Jesus, but do we know what it means to pick up our cross?
The cross was an emblem of suffering and death. The cross was the Roman Empire’s signature mode of execution. So when Jesus calls us to take up our cross - he means to put to death our flesh, worldly desires, and selfish ambitions. We are not adding Jesus to our buffet plate, we are throwing everything out and starting with Christ. He is not an addition, he is the foundation.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20
This is not just a one-time decision. We have to take up our cross and put death our flesh daily! Over and over, moment by moment, temptation after temptation, we must choose to follow Christ over our flesh. A lifetime lived for God is made up of moments lived for God. So choose today, to deny yourself and to choose to follow Jesus. Choose to honor him with every area of your life: your home, work, finance, and marriage no matter what it may cost you. Choose Jesus.
Written By: Joe Weaver
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