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READ: Mark 8:34-38
LISTEN: Mark 8

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34

Jesus teaches that following him involves taking up the cross, even “daily” (see Luke 9:23). Jesus wanted his followers to know that his way was to become their way. Later, at his crucifixion, Simon of Cyrene takes up the cross of Jesus—intentional language in the Gospels that recalls Jesus’s earlier commission to his disciples. The problem is Jesus’s disciples were nowhere to be found. Simon of Cyrene illustrates for Jesus’s followers then and now what it means to be a devoted follower: to be with Jesus and faithfully carry one’s cross.

Jesus’s way is to be our way, too. When we experience God’s forgiveness, love, generosity and sacrifice, he intends to transform us into people who are forgiving, loving, generous and sacrificial. This transformation impacts every area of life including family, work, finances and church. We respond to his forgiveness by growing in capacity to quickly forgive petty slights and oversights. We respond to his generosity by viewing our finances as a vehicle to bring him glory and benefit others. We make self-giving love a priority within the church in response to the one who loved and gave himself for us.

TODAY: Over the past couple of weeks, Pastor Jeff Manion has challenged us to think of one relationship and one area of life that we should grow in by serving and sacrificing in the way of Jesus. Talk with a trusted Christian friend or your small group about how you are doing in that relationship and area of your life. Be honest and commit to continuing to follow Jesus’s way.