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take up your cross

Luke 9:23
"And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."

Jesus often taught about following Him, and this week’s lesson is particularly challenging. He instructs His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him, a teaching situated between the feeding of the 5,000 and the Transfiguration. Here, Jesus reveals His true mission, subverting the disciples’ expectations of a political savior. Referring to Himself as the "Son of Man" (echoing Daniel 7:13–14), He signifies His divine authority.

Jesus predicts His suffering, rejection, and death by crucifixion at the hands of the Sanhedrin—elders, chief priests, and scribes—followed by His resurrection on the third day. This "must" happen as part of God’s plan for salvation, preparing His disciples for the emotional and spiritual turmoil ahead and deepening their understanding of His role post-resurrection.

Jesus’ command to "deny oneself" urges followers to reject self-centeredness and personal ambitions, centering their lives on God’s will. The final idolatry to overcome is ourselves.

The phrase "take up his cross daily" is a powerful metaphor rooted in Roman crucifixion, later embodied by Jesus on Good Friday.
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