Luke 9:23 (NIV) Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

What Does Deny Yourself Take Up Your Cross Mean?

If you are like most people, (and who isn’t?) following Jesus is not always easy! Some days, it’s smooth sailing, but other days? It can feel like an uphill battle. Luke 9:23 can be humbling to your ego. Jesus is clear. If we want to be His disciples, we have to deny ourselves and take up our cross every single day. This is not a one-time decision that we make and then forget. We must make the same decision each day. It’s something we wake up and choose over and over, no matter what the day throws our way. 

You probably have a daily grind. You balance work, your family, your life, and it can (and sometimes is) exhausting. Jesus asks us to put aside our own wants and follow Him. It’s kind of like a daily reset that can help put our focus where it truly matters. Following Jesus is not always easy. It can be really hard at times. I know in my own life, when I surrender my plans and actions to God, I have a peace that comes with knowing, I am not the one in control. God is in control.

What is the Prayer Based on Luke 9:23 

Dear Lord, guide me in denying myself and help me to follow you each and every day. When I am weak, give me the strength to pick up my cross, even when it feels heavy. I know that in every challenge, You are there guiding me every step of the way. Help me to trust You more, and may I be faithful in every step I take in my journey to know you and your word. Amen.

What Does It Really Mean to Deny Yourself?

So, what does deny yourself mean in today’s world? I used to think it meant giving up all the good stuff, the things that I really like. No more treats, no more fun, no eating pizza 3 meals out of the day (ok, just seeing if you are paying attention!). Denying yourself is much deeper, it is about saying no to the things that keep us from following Jesus. It’s about letting go of our desire to be in control and trusting God with whatever happens. Yes, that is a tough one for me.  

Let’s say you want to get a promotion at work. You have been working hard, staying late, always going the extra mile. You feel you deserve recognition and praise. Then, someone gets the promotion who never does the things you do. Do you get upset and bitter and talk negatively about the other person? Or do you let go and trust God, and His timing and His decision and move forward? That’s what it means to deny yourself.

You probably have examples of when you wanted something in your own life. It could have been money, more time, better health, but no matter how much you prayed to God, it never came your way. I can tell you from personal experience, peace comes from letting go, even though it is one of the hardest things to do. It’s not easy, but necessary.

How to Carry Your Cross Daily: Luke 9:23 Carrying Your Cross

When Jesus says to take up your cross daily, He is talking about a daily commitment. In Roman times (a long time ago!), carrying a cross wasn’t just a symbol of suffering, it was a sign of obedience. It was like saying, I am willing to go all the way, even to my death. Jesus has never asked us to carry His cross. He already carried his cross for all of us. Jesus wants you to carry your own cross, and that cross will change every day. 

Carrying your own cross might be as simple as being patient with someone who tests every nerve (I think you know who I’m talking about!).  It might mean forgiving someone who hurt you deeply. Yes, that can feel impossible to do on your own, but that’s what following Jesus is all about. You choose to walk in HIs footsteps, even when it means doing something that is hard. 

Tell me if you can relate to this situation. You are at a point in your life where everything seems to be going wrong. All you want to do is scream and vent. Then, you feel a subtle nudge. This is the Holy Spirit, saying, “take a breath and Trust Me.” Did you see the cross? At this moment, carrying your cross means holding back your frustration and leaning into God’s grace. It’s not easy. It’s the right thing to do, but one of the most difficult. That’s what carrying your cross looks like in your life.

Deny Yourself For God – A World That Tells You the Opposite

Our world doesn’t exactly encourage self-denial (just look at social media on any given day!). Everywhere you look, people are trying to do what makes them happy. I need to treat myself and focus on my needs and my goals. Taking care of yourself is important, but Jesus calls us to something much bigger. He calls us to put others first. He wants us to serve others before we serve ourselves. It’s a message that is not popular on social media. The more common thing is to do something for others and document it every step of the way for “proof” you are a good person. God loves you and gives you a “like”, even if no one else sees what you are doing. Living a life of self-denial has nothing to do with giving up joy or fun in your life. It leads to a deeper and more meaningful peace, one that feels more relaxing and joyful. 

The Challenge and Reward of Following Jesus

The truth about following Jesus is one we can’t sugarcoat. Following Jesus can be challenging and Jesus never said it would be easy! He said it would be hard but it would also be worth it. When we follow Jesus we are choosing a path of real purpose. We are choosing to be a part of something bigger than our own desires.

I don’t know about you, but I want a comfortable life, success, recognition, and lots of money. Jesus offers us something far better, an eternal life that we get for free. When we follow Jesus, we are choosing to build something that will last forever. We will sacrifice some things along the way, but the reward is an eternal life with Him. 

I remember hearing one Sunday in Church about a guy who left a high-paying job in the tech world to become a missionary. He had a family to support and this was a very difficult decision. He felt like God was calling him to do something different. He made a decision to answer God and change everything. That is a great example of denying yourself and following Jesus. He never looked back and never regretted the decision. He felt joy and fulfillment in serving God and felt it far outweighed the financial security he had left behind. 

Summary: Luke 9:23 – A Daily Call to Self-Denial and Following Jesus

Luke 9:23 is all about the challenge we face every day to follow Jesus or to follow our own desires. We are asked to make a commitment, a daily commitment to deny ourselves, not in a way that will make us miserable, but in a way that frees us to follow God. Are you living the way God intended? Do you feel it’s time to make a change?  We are called to carry our cross, knowing that Jesus walks with us every step of the way. The world tells us to focus on ourselves. Jesus shows us a better way, a way of sacrifice, service, and eternal reward. 

Luke 9:23 Prayer For Those Following Jesus

Heavenly Father, today I ask for the strength to follow You. Help me to let go of my own plans and help me to trust in Yours. Teach me to carry my own cross with grace, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. Lord, this world tells me to put myself first, help me to put You and others before me. Thank You for the joy that comes each day from following You. Amen.