Luke 9

Scripture Focus:
“Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
— Luke 9:23 (NRSVUE)

Reflection

By the time we reach Luke 9, Jesus’ ministry has expanded—crowds gather, miracles abound, and the disciples are learning what it truly means to follow Him. Then, in the midst of all the excitement, Jesus speaks words that stop them in their tracks: “Take up your cross daily and follow me.”

Following Jesus isn’t just about being inspired by His miracles; it’s about embodying His way of self-giving love. It’s about letting go of pride, comfort, or control, and choosing daily to walk in the path of compassion, forgiveness, and faithfulness.

Advent reminds us that this journey of following begins in a manger but leads all the way to the cross. It’s not a path of ease, but of deep purpose and enduring hope. Jesus invites us to carry not the weight of the world, but the cross of love—to live sacrificially, generously, and courageously for the sake of others.

When we do, we discover that the cross is not a symbol of defeat but of transformation. The same love that was born in Bethlehem is the love that redeems the world.

Prayer

Christ our Savior,
You call us to follow You—not just in moments of joy,
but in the costly paths of love and service.
Give us courage to take up our crosses each day—
to choose compassion over comfort,
faithfulness over fear,
and love over self.
May our lives reflect the hope of Your kingdom,
and may we walk in the shadow of Your mercy.
Amen.

Practice

Today, pause and reflect on this question:
What does it mean for me to “take up my cross” right now?

It might be showing patience when you’re weary,
offering forgiveness when it’s difficult,
or giving generously when it stretches you.

Write one small, practical way you can follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial love this week.
Then, do it intentionally as an act of devotion—
a way of saying, “Yes, Lord, I will follow.”

Copyright © 2025 Ronda Welander