Good morning. When Jesus explains that the Son of Man must suffer, be killed, and rise after three days, Peter rebukes Him. Jesus responds by calling Peter—and all of us—to a deeper understanding of discipleship, urging anyone who wants to follow Him to deny themselves and take up their cross.
Before you begin
Ask the Lord to give you a fresh sense of wonder as you read His Word. Pray for understanding and for an open, humble, obedient heart to receive what He wants to say to you.
Read
Review
Write a sentence or two about what you've just read. This could be a summary of the passage or an observation or highlight that stood out to you.
Reflect
What might it look like in practical terms to deny yourself and take up your cross today, fully embracing the challenges and cost of following Christ?
God’s call to lay down our lives on the altar of sacrifice means that we give Him all that we are—our rights, our reputation, our desires, our future plans; everything that concerns us—first, for a life-time, and then, day by day, moment by moment, decision by decision. —Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth1
Respond
Write a short prayer, based on today’s reading. This could include praise, gratitude, personal confession, agreement with the truth, or a request for yourself or someone else.
1Surrender, pp. 96–97, Chapter 4
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Takeaway Thought
What key verse or insight will you take with you into your day?