And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

— Philippians 2:8

Although He was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered.

— Hebrews 5:8

No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”

— John 10:18

And Jesus said to all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

— Luke 9:23

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

— James 1:2-3

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Looking at the many heroes of faith recorded in the Old Testament, such as Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Jeremiah, Esther and so on, we discover firsthand that a life of faith is not easy. Jesus later also articulated His own burden of full obedience on His way to His death. “Whoever wants to be my disciple,” He declared, “must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me!”

God calls every believer in every age to surrender their personal plans and seek His perfect will. Before, during, and after Jesus’s days on earth, faithful men and women displayed personal sacrifice, unwavering devotion, and humble service to the sovereign, eternal God. God calls His people to seek His will and follow His lead, even when doing so involves difficulties or challenges. This is how believers deny themselves and take up Jesus’s cross.