Luke 9:18-25
Friends, in today’s reading, Jesus warns his followers that following him requires them to take up their own crosses daily. He teaches that the way of life passes through self-sacrificial suffering.
Immediately after Peter declares that Jesus was the promised Messiah, Jesus counters the common first-century Jewish understanding that the Messiah would bring political liberation to Israel through God’s power. Instead, Jesus predicts his own rejection, suffering, death, and resurrection.
Jesus clarifies that any who wishes to call him their leader must also walk the path of self-sacrifice. Daily. His way - the way of the Messiah - the Christian life, is not at all rosy. The way of life passes through suffering and death.
The cross is frightening. Being willing to carry one’s cross requires us to face our fears. What burdens will be placed on me today that Jesus will say, “Go ahead and pick that up; follow me”?
Reflection by Keith Tan
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