Raising Disciples toward Becoming More like Jesus Each Day

As Jesus entered the final year of His earthly ministry, His instructions to the Twelve became more direct and challenging. His expectations of the disciples increased as He prepared to leave them to carry on His work.

Luke 9:23:

Then [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

During the time of Jesus, “taking up a cross” would have been understood in the context of a Roman crucifixion. When someone was sentenced to death, they would carry their own cross (or crossbeam) to the place of crucifixion, symbolizing forced submission and humiliation by those in authority. Those who carried their crosses were not willing participants.

In this text, discipleship is described through three actions: denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus. These actions signify an end to self-independence, calling for self-denial and submission. While similar to those condemned to crucifixion, discipleship involves willing and active participants.

Jesus continues in Luke 9:24-25:

“Whoever want to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”

As Jesus prepared to give up His life for the sins of the world, He prepared His disciples for a life of self-denial and self-sacrifice. A life of loving God and loving others. A life lived with an eternal perspective rather than an earthly one.

The goal of discipleship is not to raise mediocre, milquetoast believers who follow Jesus when it’s convenient and socially acceptable. The goal of discipleship is for all of us to become more like Christ, willing to deny ourselves the things that trap us in this world. The goal of discipleship is that every aspect of our lives is submitted to the lordship of Christ. Jesus provides an example of raising the level of expectations for these twelve men.

Questions for Reflection

• How are you setting this example today for the kids in your life?
• How can you (in age-appropriate ways) encourage your child to follow Jesus?