Friday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 9:23
23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
9:23 Come after me means to become a disciple (cf. 14:27) and requires that a disciple: (1) deny himself (not simply denying certain things but denying personal control of one’s life); (2) take up his cross (cf. 14:27; make a commitment that will lead to rejection and possibly even death); and (3) follow me (following the example and teachings of Jesus). In Jesus’ day, “follow me” also meant joining the company of his disciples who traveled in ministry with Jesus around Palestine.
Study Questions:
- This verse clearly describes a difference between a true follower of Jesus and a casual fan. He said to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow him. What do you think crosses were for? Exactly. They brought about the death of the one carrying it. So, if we are to be a faithful follower, we must DIE to ourselves and go HIS way. We give up control and surrender. Practically speaking, what might this look like in your life? Are you taking up your cross daily and following Jesus? Are you fully surrendered?
- The last takeaway from Sunday was that Jesus KNOWS the fire you're enduring. He sees your suffering. Have you suffered for Jesus? Have you been rejected by family or friends? By culture? Have you had to make sacrifices for following Jesus? If so, he sees you and is with you. He says that you are blessed because of your willingness to be rejected for his sake! On the other hand, if you're not experiencing any suffering for Jesus, why not? Spend some time reflecting and asking God if he truly has your whole heart. Are you really all in for him?
Pray:
- That you would take up your cross daily and follow Jesus.
- That you would fully surrender.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
3. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Since “all have sinned” and the “wages of sin is death,” Jesus had to die on the cross to pay the fine for my sin so I could be right with God.
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
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