McClane Creek Nature Trail, Capital Forest, WA USA
Jesus asks those near to him to follow him over 20 times in the bible, but only a very few followed him all the way to the cross.
Why? Perhaps Jesus provides some insight in his listing of the steps needed for discipleship.
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” - Luke 9:23
Denying ones self is a shedding of those desires that separate us from a more perfect love of God and man. For example, for the rich young man in the Bible (see Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18) it meant no longer being possessed by money and possessions. Another biblical example is that of many of the the chief priests and Pharisees, they had an unhealthy need for power, honor and control. Followers of Christ should exam their lives and their conscience and go to prayer asking our Lord what they need to deny in order to more closely follow Him.
Picking up your cross daily is an encounter with the challenges God places in your specific life for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. For some it may be performing a job that is not satisfying in order to provide for your family, for others it might mean taking care of a loved one that needs assistance despite the demands, and for others it might mean enduring suffering with faith and prayer. It is interesting to note that Jesus asks us to pick up our crosses daily because in life our cross can change as we change, and the needs of those around us change. Ask for the Holy Spirit each day for assistance in carrying your cross.
This all might sound hard but getting closer to Jesus is well worth it.
“Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” - Luke 6:38