What does it mean to carry your cross?

A reflection on what Jesus meant when He called His followers to take up their cross daily. Shape

Take Up Your Cross  As Jesus began to speak openly about the suffering that lay ahead of Him, He also spoke about what it means to follow Him.    Discipleship is not simply about admiration from a distance. Jesus invites those who follow Him to walk the same path of surrender and trust. To take up the cross is to place His will above our own—to choose obedience, humility, and love even when the way forward is costly.    In this sense, following Christ becomes a daily practice. Each day offers new opportunities to turn away from self-centered ambitions and toward a life shaped by His example.    As we move closer to Holy Week, Jesus' words invite us not only to observe His journey to the cross, but to walk with Him.    As we take a closer look at how Jesus calls us to him, the NKJV MacArthur Study Bible, available with Bible Gateway Plus, explains:  "The kind of self-denial He sought was not a reclusive asceticism, but a willingness to obey His commandments, serve one another, and suffer—perhaps even die—for His sake."  Walking with Jesus  When Jesus calls His followers to take up the cross, He is inviting them into a life shaped by His own example—one marked by humility, obedience, and love for others.    This kind of discipleship rarely appears dramatic. More often it takes shape in ordinary choices: serving quietly, forgiving freely, and trusting God's purposes even when the path is difficult.    Passages like this become even richer when you can explore trusted Study Bible notes and commentary beside the verses you're reading. With Bible Gateway Plus, resources like the NKJV MacArthur Study Bible appear alongside the text —helping you understand the meaning behind Jesus' words and how His invitation speaks into daily life as we move toward Holy Week with greater clarity and courage Reflection  As you reflect on Jesus' call to follow Him, consider:    Where is Jesus inviting me to say "no" to myself in order to say "yes" to love, obedience, or service?    What might "daily cross-bearing" look like in my routines, relationships, and decisions?    As Holy Week approaches, how can I more intentionally walk with Jesus rather than simply observing the story of the cross?  Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Have any questions? Please write to us at support@biblegateway.com. *All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only.    This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this email because you're a member of the Bible Gateway Plus service. If you have questions or comments about this email, please contact us.   Manage all Bible Gateway communication | Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication   VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►