Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Luke 9:25 "For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?" Following Jesus is meant to be challenging. Jesus calls us to reject self-centeredness and align with God’s will. He instructs us to "take up our cross daily," embracing sacrifice for Christ and surrendering our personal desires for His mission. Following Jesus brings forgiveness. He died on the cross to forgive our sins. As God forgives you, forgive yourself and others. Forgiveness brings freedom. No matter the cost, choose to forgive. Let go of hate, resentment, and hurt—they no longer belong to you. If we invest our time pursuing worldly success at the cost of our soul, that is ultimate futility! No earthly gain—wealth, power, fame, or material possessions—can compare to the value of eternal life with God.

Luke 9:24 "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it." "Follow Me," Jesus said. He instructs us to "deny ourselves," rejecting self-centeredness to align with God’s will. He calls us to "take up our cross daily," embracing sacrifice for Christ as an ongoing commitment. This reflects total devotion, surrendering personal rights for Christ’s mission. God’s plan leads to true life. Jesus promises that those who lose their life for Him will find eternal life and peace with God, while those who cling to their life will lose it. This universal call to discipleship invites all to humility, service, and sacrifice, finding identity in Christ, not personal gain. Following Jesus brings forgiveness. He died on the cross to forgive our sins. As God forgives you, forgive yourself and others. Forgiveness frees you. No matter the cost, forgive. Let go of hate, resentment, and hurt. It...

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 instructs His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, a deliberate call tied to His prediction of suffering, rejection, and crucifixion by the Sanhedrin—elders, priests, and scribes—followed by His resurrection on the third day. This "must" happen for salvation, according to God’s plan. To "deny oneself" means rejecting self-centeredness and aligning with God’s will, overcoming the idolatry of self. The phrase "take up his cross daily," unique to Luke, uses the Roman crucifixion metaphor—where the condemned carried their cross to execution—to signify embracing suffering and sacrifice for Christ. "Daily" underscores this as an ongoing commitment, requiring believers to prioritize Christ despite personal cost. This act reflects total devotion, laying down one’s rights, even life, for Christ’s...

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 ...

Luke 9:22 "Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day." Jesus often taught about following Him. Last week, we studied the rich young man who sought eternal life but couldn’t part with his wealth. This shows how "wealth"—material or otherwise—can hinder discipleship. Yet, Jesus looked at him with love, just as He looks at you, knowing the sincerity in your heart.  This week, we turn to Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus instructs His followers to take up their cross and follow Him. This teaching follows the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 and precedes the Transfiguration. Sandwiched between these events, Jesus reveals the true nature of His mission. His disciples expected a political savior, but Jesus, calling Himself the "Son of Man" (echoing Daniel 7:13–14), signifies His divine authority. He then predicts His suffering, rejection, and death by crucifixion ...

Mark 10:22 "And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." Grieved! He won't follow Jesus! The young man earnestly sought eternal life, but his attachment to material possessions highlights the challenge of entering God's Kingdom. Despite his sincere desire, he couldn't let go of his wealth. This underscores how "wealth"—material or otherwise—can hinder discipleship. Yet, Jesus looked at him with love, just as He looks at you, knowing the sincerity in your heart. We pray you'll choose Jesus over your own "wealth," whatever it may be. Amen.

Mark 10:21 "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." A man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, "Follow the Ten Commandments." Yet the man trusted in his own righteousness, showing a shallow grasp of God's law. Jesus guides us all to deeper faith in today's verse. Despite the man's self-interest, Jesus showed compassion, loving him for his moral earnestness and potential for growth. Jesus pinpointed a flaw: the man's wealth was an idol, overshadowing his devotion to God. He instructed the man to sell his possessions and give to the poor—a test of allegiance, revealing his greater love for riches. The call to "take up the cross" signifies self-denial and sacrifice, echoing Jesus’ crucifixion. The promise of "treas...