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Key Text: Luke 9:22-23 (AMP) – “²² Saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected [as the Messiah] by the elders and chief priests and scribes (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), and be put to death, and on the third day be raised up [from death to life].” ²³ And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”

Whenever we sin, Jesus Christ (God) suffers greatly. Jesus Christ had to suffer many things when He was on this earth for our sake. He endured much pain. He was rejected by the most highly regarded people in society and by top leaders in the church. When someone is rejected by the least influential people in society, they may not suffer much because such people do not have much influence. However, when someone is hated and rejected by the most influential people in society, the suffering can be great because such people can cause many others to hate you, since they exert strong influence across various groups.

For example, when a Bible teacher faces opposition in God’s service from an ordinary church member (without a church position, title, or influence), that opposition may not cause much harm. However, if a church elder or pastor opposes that teacher’s teachings, it becomes much easier to influence the entire church against the teacher because the opposition is coming from someone highly influential. People tend to believe those who display more authority outwardly than those who do not. That is why we need righteous people in top leadership positions in every sector of human influence. One small evil decision from those in power can cause great harm. Unfortunately, many people submit to authority without question.

While the Bible teaches us to be submissive to authority, we should not submit to an authority that opposes God’s truth. We should always place God’s truth above authority, as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did (Daniel 3:16–18; 6:10; 6:21–23).

Acts 5:29 (KJ21) says, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and other faithful men and women of God lived by this principle, obeying God above men. If your church pastor says that Sunday is the Sabbath while the Bible says the seventh day is the Sabbath, will you obey God, or will you continue obeying men?

When a top government official—such as a president—opposes you, the weight of that opposition can be intense. The government may freeze your bank accounts, leaving you unable to access money. If the government wants to kill you, it can do so easily because you cannot physically hide from its reach. It can imprison you and stop your influence from spreading.

When Jesus Christ came into this world, He did not come as a king or a rich man. He did not come with outward adornment that would make Him influential or attractive by worldly standards. He was born and lived among the poorest in society. Yet He faced opposition from highly influential people. Picture this in your mind: the least regarded person in society facing opposition from the most powerful people in society.

Those who opposed Jesus Christ had all the earthly power and authority to do whatever they wished to Him. They displayed this power most clearly when they crucified Him. Yet before His crucifixion, Jesus never stopped spreading the good news. As long as you are alive, no matter the magnitude of the opposition you face, you should never stop spreading the gospel or serving God. Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer many things, including death, for the sake of the gospel.

The Messiah also told those who were willing to follow Him to deny themselves—in other words, to live a life of sacrifice. They were to take up their cross daily. As Christians, the good things we did yesterday and the sacrifices we made in the past are not enough. At times, we may feel we have done much and need not do more. It is best to stop dwelling on yesterday’s good deeds and strive to do more each new day.

“The foundation of the plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. Jesus left the royal courts and became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. All who share this salvation, purchased for them at such an infinite sacrifice by the Son of God, will follow the example of the true Pattern. Christ was the chief Cornerstone, and we must build upon this Foundation. Each must have a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. The life of Christ upon earth was unselfish; it was marked with humiliation and sacrifice. And shall men, partakers of the great salvation which Jesus came from heaven to bring them, refuse to follow their Lord and to share in His self-denial and sacrifice? Is the servant greater than his Lord?” – The Faith I Live By, Page 151.2, Ellen G. White.

“Self-denial and the cross lie directly in the pathway of every follower of Christ. The cross is that which crosses the natural affections and the will.” – Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, Page 651, Ellen G. White.

As you grow in grace, you should sacrifice more. Following Jesus Christ means total self-denial. For it is through complete self-denial that God’s perfect love in you is shown.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who suffered and gave His life for me. Help me to deny myself daily, to carry my cross faithfully, and to follow You even when it is hard. Give me the courage to choose truth over comfort and obedience to You over the approval of people. Shape my heart to live a life of sacrifice and love, just like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activity

The Daily Cross Practice:

• Each morning, ask God one simple question: “Lord, what is one selfish habit, comfort, or distraction I can surrender to You today?”
• Then intentionally replace it with an act of obedience—such as prayer, helping someone, sharing the gospel, forgiving, or standing for truth.
• At night, reflect briefly on how you followed Christ that day and thank Him for the grace to grow in self-denial.

Author: Mark Alex   

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