Daily Decisions to Follow Jesus
Scripture:
Luke 9:23 - “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”
Devotional: Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. In Luke 9:23, Jesus sets forth the criteria for discipleship: “Let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This verse is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not about comfort, convenience, or occasional dedication. It’s about daily surrender, daily sacrifice, and daily obedience.
The word “daily” is crucial here. It’s easy to think of following Jesus as something we do only in the big moments—when we choose to serve in ministry, go on a mission trip, or make a significant life change. But true discipleship is lived out in the mundane, everyday choices we make. It’s about choosing to follow Jesus in how we speak, how we treat others, how we spend our time, and how we respond to challenges and temptations.
For the disciples, this meant leaving behind everything familiar to walk with Jesus. It meant trusting Him for provision, protection, and guidance. It meant embracing a life that was often uncomfortable and uncertain. But they continued to follow because they knew that He alone had the words of eternal life (John 6:68).
For us, daily discipleship means surrendering our desires, ambitions, and plans to God’s will. It means choosing to forgive when we want to hold a grudge, choosing to trust when we want to control, choosing to serve when we’d rather be served. And it means committing to spend time with Jesus each day, seeking His guidance and strength.
This is what it means to take up our cross daily. The cross was an instrument of death—so to take up our cross is to die to self, to put to death our selfish desires, and to live for Christ instead. It’s a daily decision that requires discipline, but it’s also a path that leads to true freedom, joy, and purpose.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does “taking up your cross daily” look like in your current season of life?
2. What areas of your life are hardest to surrender to Jesus on a daily basis?
3. How can you cultivate a daily rhythm of following Jesus in both big and small ways?
Application:
Identify one area in your life where you struggle to surrender daily. It could be your schedule, your relationships, your finances, or your thought life. Write down one small step you can take each day this week to bring that area under Jesus’ lordship. It might be starting your day with prayer, speaking kindly to a difficult person, or choosing contentment over comparison. At the end of the week, reflect on how this small daily surrender impacted your walk with Jesus.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, I want to follow You daily. Help me to take up my cross and deny myself, even when it’s hard. Show me what it means to surrender my life to You in every moment, in every decision, and in every thought. May my life reflect Your love and grace as I choose to follow You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusion to the Series: Following Jesus in Life and Death
The disciples’ journey reminds us that following Jesus is not about perfection—it’s about commitment. They stumbled, doubted, and even fled, but ultimately they chose to stay faithful to their calling, even to the point of death. Their lives show us that true discipleship is a daily decision to follow Jesus, to let go of our old ways, and to embrace a life that is fully surrendered to Him.
As we’ve explored their stories, we’ve seen that Jesus called ordinary, flawed men to do extraordinary things for His kingdom. The same is true for us. He calls us not because we’re perfect but because He loves us and sees our potential to become more like Him.
Remember: Following Jesus is a daily journey. It’s a daily surrender, a daily commitment to walk in His footsteps. May we strive to follow Him daily, knowing that each step brings us closer to becoming more like Him.
Final Reflection Questions:
1. Which part of the disciples’ journey resonated most with you?
2. How has this series challenged your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
3. What daily practices will you commit to in order to deepen your walk with Christ?
Final Closing Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the example of the Twelve Disciples, who were imperfect yet faithful. Help me to follow You daily, surrendering my life to Your will. Teach me to take up my cross each day and to walk in obedience, trusting that You are with me every step of the way. May my life be a reflection of Your love, grace, and truth. In Your holy name, Amen.