Take up Your Cross DAILY

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 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."


Friday, January 31, 2014
Speaker: Pep Santos
Subject: Jan 31 - Morning Light



Let's have a quick recap. How do we follow Jesus' footsteps again?
   1. deny yourself
   2. take up your cross daily
   3. follow Jesus 

Now, we will try to understand what "take up your cross DAILY" means, and how Matthew, Mark and Luke's versions differ.

Before TL Pep (I use to call him TL Pep, simply because he's a Team Leader) started our today's lesson, he asked us, "What comes into your mind each time you see a cross?" I and the rest of the BPO Ministry gave the following answers: God's love, grace, forgiveness, gift from God, faith, salvation, Jesus, sacrifice... All these answers are music to our ears. In short, everything TODAY is ok because Jesus already died for us so our past, present and future sins are forgiven.

 In Jesus time, "take up your cross" means PAIN, SHAME, HUMILIATION, DISGRACE, PUNISHMENT, TORTURE, DEATH...

 Taking up your cross does not mean wearing a necklace with cross. Well, what does it mean to take up your cross?

Where was Jesus going while carrying His cross? ---  On his way to dying. We should be ready to lose everything if we would like to follow Jesus

 Are you willing to take up your cross for Jesus?
- even if it means losing your friend?
- if it means alienation for your family?
- if it means the loss of your reputation?
- if it means losing your job?
- if it means losing your identity?
- if it means losing your life?

Take time to meditate on the following verses:

Mark 10:17 -22. 17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’[a]” 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Matthew 10:37-39. 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.


Location: CCF Eastwood, 3rd Flr Citywalk 2, Quezon City, Philippines

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