Pastor's Corner - 6/17

In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

These are not easy words. We naturally want comfort, control, and glory without suffering. Peter saw the glory of Jesus on the mountain and wanted to stay there. But Jesus was not heading away from suffering. He was heading toward Jerusalem, toward the cross, toward the place where he would give his life for sinners.

The Father’s command was simple: “Listen to him.” Listen to Jesus when his way is hard. Listen to Jesus when obedience costs you. Listen to Jesus when the world offers an easier path.

Following Jesus means surrendering what we still hold, trusting him on the difficult path, and depending on his strength, not our own. But we do not carry the cross alone. Jesus took up His cross first. He lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and rose again in glory.

Dear Church, because Jesus took up his cross to save you, you can take up your cross daily and follow him.