Luke 9:23-24

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”

Luke 9:23-24

Jesus’ simple yet profound call to the disciples was “Follow me.” At the root of Christianity, this is what it is all about. The word “follow” means to walk the same road as. Simply follow Jesus step for step. This call still echoes today, inviting us to walk closely with Christ, learning from Him and becoming more like Him. 

Following Jesus often requires leaving behind old securities and identities, just as the disciples left their nets. What might Jesus be asking you to leave behind to follow Him more closely? Are we willing, like Paul the Apostle, to live a crucified life? And notice Jesus isn’t calling us to self-denial or self-depravation but to denying self. Put ourselves and all we hope to be completely aside so that Jesus can shine through. Trust that as you follow Him, He will expand your horizons and deepen your impact for His kingdom.

Pastor Wade O’Neill