Take Up Your Cross
Coach Mitchell’s Breakdown:
The Book of Luke was composed with the intention of informing a broad audience, particularly the Gentiles, that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the entire world. As a Gentile himself, Luke felt a calling to present the message of God in a manner that would be accessible and comprehensible to others from his background. Notably, Luke's account of Jesus's life is the longest book in the New Testament and offers the most joyful narrative of His life. The text begins and concludes with themes of rejoicing, reflecting the expectation that God has for humanity today.
Chapter 9 delves into several pivotal events, including the commissioning of the twelve disciples, Herod's desire to see Jesus, the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, and Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah. It also addresses the prediction of Jesus's death and resurrection, the transfiguration, the call to take up one's cross, and His authority over demons. Furthermore, the chapter outlines the journey to Jerusalem and the importance of following Jesus.
This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the crucial days leading up to Christ's crucifixion. It emphasizes the instructions given to His disciples to prepare the villages for His journey to Jerusalem, as well as guidance on how to respond to those who reject the power and authority of Jesus Christ within their homes.
Chapter 9:23 -24 | This passage explores the essence of wholeheartedly following Jesus. He instructs us that true discipleship requires self-denial. Jesus acknowledges that it is natural, in a worldly sense, to pursue what satisfies our flesh; however, in these two scriptures, He urges us to transcend those inclinations. By carrying His own cross to His death, Jesus exemplifies the commitment to fulfill God's purpose, regardless of personal feelings. This act serves as a model for our daily lives.
Taking up one’s cross signifies self-denial, sacrifice, and a steadfast commitment to our Heavenly Father. In verse 24, it states, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.” Here, God conveys that attempts to preserve one's life without living honorably in His sight ultimately lead to spiritual loss and a forfeited eternal home. Conversely, if we strive to embody the likeness of Jesus—setting aside our own desires—and, in the process, lose our earthly lives, we will find eternal salvation.
Self Reflection Questions:
1) How can one adopt a lifestyle of daily commitment and responsibility to God, akin to "taking up your cross"?
2)What is the most complex aspect of self-denial, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our Heavenly Father on a daily basis?
3)How can you apply Luke 9: 23 -24 in your role as an athlete or coach in the context of combating self assigned success as it relates to your role and sport?
Prayer Challenge:
When discovering your purpose and aligning with your divine assignment on this Earth.:
"Dear God, I come surrendered pleading for you to take control of my life. I ask that you help me understand that I am a passenger on this ride and that you are the driver. God I ask you to remind me as often as you deem fit that denying myself is required to become more like you. God help me understand that it is my duty to aid other christ like leaders in making Earth as it is in heaven. God, I ask you to equip me with the strength to fulfill the assignments that go along with doing making it on Earth as it is in Heaven. God, remove any fear or self doubt I may have and replace it with an obedient heart posture. Father, into your hands I entrust my life and spirit. Let YOUR WILL be done. With love, your child. Amen.”
Bible Challenge:
Read Luke 9:1-62
If you would like to submit your answers to the reflection questions or if you have questions submit them below!
