And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. — Luke 14:27 KJV
And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. — Luke 14:27 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
Christ became sin for us, and our salvation was dependent on Christ identifying with our sin. However, discipleship entails identifying with Christ’s suffering on a daily basis. In the likeness of Christ’s death, we are to identify with Him.
The older Paul grew, the more he desired to know Christ in a more intimate and personal way. He desired not only to know Him in the power of His resurrection, but also to share in His sufferings and be transformed by His death.
May we, like Paul, desire with all of our being to be a living sacrifice, where we die to ourselves and live for Christ – so that we can become true disciples, who willingly and joyfully serve Christ.
My Prayer
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for saving me by grace through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross – but Lord, I want to be Your disciple, to take up my own cross daily and follow You in humble obedience. I pray that I may willingly submit to Your will in all aspects of my life and share in Christ’s sufferings, so that I may be transformed into the likeness of Christ by His death, to Your praise and glory. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
