By Billy Graham • February 20, 2006
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
In Jesus’ day, a cross was a symbol of suffering, and we all have trials and afflictions that may be very hard for us to bear—even with God’s help.
But Jesus meant something far deeper than this when He told His disciples to carry their cross.
In Jesus’ day, a cross wasn’t just a symbol of pain and suffering; it was mainly a symbol of death.
What Jesus was telling them is that they needed to put to death their own plans and desires, and then turn their lives over to Him and do His will every day.
“Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).
He calls on us to commit our whole lives to Him—to trust Him alone for our salvation, and then to follow Him as His disciples.
Have you put to death your own plans and committed yourself to His will for your life?
