If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. – Matthew 16:24
When Peter denied Christ, he disassociated himself from Him. He separated from Jesus, sitting with the guards and warming himself by the fire, trying to blend in with others. He would not admit that he even knew the Lord. When Jesus said to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him, that means as a believer you identify with Him. You join with Him and His people. You are not to blend in with the world. You are in the world but not of it (John 17:14-18).
How do you identify with Jesus? He prayed. He taught about the Kingdom of God. He healed the sick and raise the dead. He lived a life free from sin. He said He did only what the Father bid Him. When believers identify with Christ, they care about the things He cares about. People! The lost, the dying, the hurting, the poor.
Jesus poured Himself into His disciples, offering what He had, training them to do the work of ministry. He poured Himself into humanity by offering Himself on the cross. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Identifying with Christ means using your gifts, talents, and resources to help other people. Jesus interceded for Peter. Paul interceded for the churches he planted. Intercede for the people God has put in your life. Pray for the United States. Ask for God’s perfect will to be done in the nation, its citizens and leaders, and in all of its complex issues.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Luke 22:24-34
24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
