Luke 9:23. Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Following Jesus requires wholehearted obedience. When Jesus called His disciples, He did not look for qualifications, status, or ability. He looked for hearts that were willing to obey. The moment He called Matthew, a tax collector despised by society, Matthew responded without hesitation: “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him” (Matthew 9:9).
In the same way, if we truly desire to follow Jesus for the sake of the gospel, our absolute obedience to His Word is not an option—it is a requirement. Half-hearted devotion or selective obedience cannot lead us into true discipleship. Jesus calls us to lay down our own will and follow Him fully.
At the same time, following Jesus means cultivating a humble and teachable heart. Jesus Himself said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). True discipleship is not rooted in pride or self-reliance. It is a lifelong journey of learning from the One who is gentle, humble, and wise.
Our lives should overflow with gratitude for the incredible privilege of being called into God’s grand plan of world evangelization. It is not by our merit, but by His grace, that we are chosen to be part of His eternal kingdom work. Step by step, as we follow the Lord of the harvest with humility, we walk the true path of the disciple. That is where true success is found—not in achievements, fame, or recognition, but in walking closely with Him and fulfilling His purpose.
However, following Christ also requires us to abandon all selfish motives and hidden agendas. Jesus made this clear when He said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). It was not merely about wealth, but about surrender. To follow Jesus means to let go of anything that competes with Him for first place in our hearts.
We cannot deceive God. Even if we fervently pray for things rooted in selfish desires or pride, God sees beyond the words. He knows the true condition of our hearts. If our motives for following Christ are to gain recognition, success, or worldly satisfaction, our prayers and service lose their spiritual power.
Sadly, many today serve with the hidden motive of elevating themselves. They depend on human knowledge, talent, or experience, rather than relying on the power of the gospel. But human effort without God’s blessing is empty. The Lord examines our hearts and knows our true intentions. This is why we must constantly examine ourselves, laying down all selfish ambitions, pride, and personal agendas, and seeking only to live in obedience to God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.
As Paul declared, “I die every day” (1 Corinthians 15:31). A true disciple chooses daily to crucify self-centered desires, surrender pride, and walk in humble obedience to Christ. Only then can we serve with pure hearts, relying completely on His power.
To follow Christ is the greatest privilege of all. Declaring the name of Jesus and living for His glory is not something to be ashamed of—it is life’s highest calling and greatest blessing. Jesus warned us, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). We must not be silent or hesitant in our faith. The world may oppose us, but eternity belongs to those who boldly follow Him.
In today’s Word, Jesus urges us to deny ourselves and follow Him. This means casting aside everything that hinders us from walking in obedience—our pride, laziness, stubbornness, prejudices, dependence on skills, background, education, and even our own life. Following Christ means surrendering it all to Him.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Beyond the cross, glory awaits. The trials we face, the sacrifices we make, and the temptations we overcome cannot compare to the glory that will be revealed. As Romans 8:18 reminds us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” The ultimate victory over sin, death, and the enemy has already been secured through Christ.
So, do not hesitate. Follow Christ today. He is worthy of your worship, obedience, life, and all. You will never regret the decision to follow Him.
Prayer. Lord Jesus, I thank You for inviting me to walk the way of the disciple. I lay down all my plans, motives, and desires to follow You with all my heart. Lead me, teach me, and use my life for Your glory. In Your precious name, Amen.