Verse of the Day: Luke 9:23-24
Verse of the Day
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Luke 9:23-24
Then [Jesus] said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.”
Introduction
In a world that values self-promotion and comfort, the call of Jesus in Luke 9:23–24 sounds almost radical. It is a bold and unsettling invitation—not just to believe in Him, but to follow Him through the path of self-denial, sacrifice, and surrender. These two verses strike at the heart of discipleship and challenge us to examine what it truly means to live for Christ.
Commentary
Jesus speaks plainly here: discipleship is not a casual association with His teachings, but a wholehearted commitment to His mission—even when it costs us everything. When He says “take up their cross daily,” He is not referring to mere inconveniences or discomforts. In the ancient world, the cross was a symbol of shame, suffering, and execution. Christ invites us to die to our selfish desires, ambitions, and even personal safety for the sake of following Him.
The paradox in verse 24—“those who want to save their life will lose it…”—turns worldly wisdom on its head. True life, the abundant and eternal life, is found not by clinging to control, but by releasing it in trust to Jesus.
Understanding the Context
Luke 9 marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. After performing miracles and gaining popularity, He begins preparing His disciples for the reality of His suffering and death. Just before this passage, Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah (v.20), and immediately after, Jesus predicts His own passion (v.22). The sequence is intentional. It underscores that while Jesus is the promised Savior, His path to glory goes through the cross—and so must ours.
This teaching would have jarred first-century listeners. The idea of a crucified Messiah was unthinkable. Yet Jesus reframes victory through the lens of surrender, not dominance.
Application for Today
In today’s culture, the message of self-denial often conflicts with the pursuit of personal success, pleasure, and autonomy. But Christ's call remains unchanged. We are to take up our cross daily—not once in a lifetime, but continually. This might mean setting aside our pride in relationships, giving up comforts to serve others, or standing firm in faith even when it costs us popularity, security, or career.
Are we willing to lose the life we thought we wanted, to find the life God has designed for us?
Reflection
Take a quiet moment to reflect:
What “cross” am I being called to carry today?
Where in my life am I clinging too tightly, trying to “save” myself instead of surrendering to Christ?
How can I live more boldly and authentically as a follower of Jesus—even when it’s hard?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You bore the cross so that I might have life. Help me to deny myself daily and follow You with courage and trust. Teach me to surrender my plans, my pride, and my fears at the foot of the cross, that I may truly live for You. Amen.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
