Follow Me: The Call to Daily Surrender
Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23 are among the most powerful calls to discipleship in all of Scripture:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
This isn't a light invitation. Jesus isn’t asking for a casual, once-a-week commitment. He is calling us to a daily surrender—to give up our own way, take up our cross, and follow Him.
Who Do You Say That I Am?
Before this statement, Jesus asks His disciples a crucial question:
“Who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20)
Peter responds boldly, “You are the Messiah sent from God.” But as the passage unfolds, it becomes clear that Peter, though correct, doesn’t fully grasp what this means.
And isn’t that true for many of us? We acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but we struggle to let go of our own plans, desires, and comfort to truly follow Him.
Denying Ourselves: The Hardest Step
To follow Jesus, we must first reject our own way of doing things. Our desires, our ambitions, our instincts—none of these are the foundation of a godly life. Instead, Jesus calls us to:
- Surrender our control – We like to be in charge, but discipleship means handing God the keys.
- Reject cultural expectations – The world values power, success, and comfort, but Jesus values humility, sacrifice, and faith.
- Abandon self-preservation – The gospel is not about keeping our lives safe and easy; it’s about giving them up for the sake of Christ.
Taking Up Your Cross Daily
Carrying a cross was not just a metaphor in Jesus' time—it was a real, humiliating, painful death sentence. To take up our cross daily means embracing:
- Suffering for Christ – This may not be physical suffering, but it means standing for truth even when it's unpopular.
- Dying to our sinful nature – Every day, we must put to death selfishness, pride, and sin.
- Public humility – Just as a condemned man carrying his cross was on display, our lives should openly reflect Jesus, even when it costs us.
Following Jesus on His Terms
We don’t get to decide how we follow Jesus. He has already laid out the path:
- Deny yourself – Surrender your life and plans to Him.
- Take up your cross – Embrace daily sacrifice and obedience.
- Follow Him – Walk as He walked, living and loving like Jesus.
Many of us want to follow Jesus on our own terms—when it's convenient, when it benefits us, or when life is smooth. But Jesus calls us to follow Him even when it’s costly.
Who Has the Loudest Voice in Your Life?
In the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36), Peter, James, and John see Jesus in His glory, alongside Moses and Elijah. Then, a voice from heaven declares:
“This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to Him!”
Are we truly listening to Jesus? Or are other voices—our culture, fears, desires—drowning Him out?
Reflection Questions
- Is Jesus truly the Messiah of your life, or do you follow Him only when it’s convenient?
- Have you fully surrendered your old way of living, or are you still holding onto parts of it?
- Do you take up your cross daily, or do you resist discomfort and sacrifice?
- Is Jesus’ voice the most influential in your life?
A Prayer for Daily Surrender
God, I hear Your call to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You. Forgive me for trying to follow You on my own terms. Help me surrender fully, die to myself daily, and truly live and love like Jesus. May Your voice be the loudest in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.