Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, [Jesus] said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me."
— Mark 8:34 NLT
![Illustration of Mark 8:34 NLT — Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, [Jesus] said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me."](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/8477.jpg "Illustration of Mark 8:34 NLT — Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, [Jesus] said, \"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.\"")
Key Thought
For Jesus' faithful followers, the cross is not a piece of jewelry or even a symbol; it is a lifestyle. It is the willingness to follow Jesus in every way — including the way of the cross. For us to do that, we must surrender our selfishness and lay down our lives for the needs of others. We must have unflinching loyalty to God no matter the cost. More than just a burden to bear, "our cross to bear" is a total "buy-in" to the life, character, and way of Jesus.
Today's Prayer
O Father, form me more perfectly into the nature, character, and lifestyle of Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Philippians 2:5-11
- John 15:9-13
- 1 John 4:9-10
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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