March 1, 2026 3:00 am
Christians are often encouraged to 'take up their cross daily' and follow Jesus, but what does this phrase truly mean? Jesus knew he would soon have to die on the cross, and he told his disciples that following him requires a daily willingness to die for him if need be.
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Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. The Daily Cross. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. This same conversation and challenge is also recorded in Matthew 16 twenty four and Mark eight thirty four. But only Luke included the term daily.
Except for one brief reference in Matthew 10:38, this conversation marks the first explicit reference in the Bible to the practice of crucifixion, and it apparently assumes that the disciples were already well aware of this typical Roman method of execution. Taking up one's cross referred to the usual requirement that each condemned man haul his own cross to the place of execution. Jesus knew that he would soon have to do this himself. Christians sometimes use this phrase without appreciation of its true meaning, thinking of some burden as the cross they must bear. Such things can be serious problems, but they are not instruments of execution such as the cross.
In effect, the Lord was telling his disciples that following him must mean nothing less than a daily willingness to die for him if need be. As Paul would say, I am crucified with Christ. I die daily. Many disciples have indeed suffered martyrdom for Christ's sake, but all should at least be willing to deny themselves daily. Taking up the cross does not necessarily mean dying as Christ did, but it does mean consciously dying each day to the world and living unto Him.
For they that are Christ have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, and gladly affirm this testimony. God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6, 14 Yeah. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us.
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