Following the way of Jesus is more than a belief, it’s a lifestyle of learning, growing, and daily surrender. At the heart of the Christian faith is discipleship. To be a disciple is to be a learner, someone who patterns their life after Christ. It starts with a simple yet profound truth: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him.
The Call to Daily Discipleship
Jesus made it clear… if anyone wants to come after Him, they must deny themselves. This means laying down our own desires and trusting in His perfect way. It requires humility and the recognition that we don’t have all the answers.
Discipleship isn’t a weekend activity or a one-time decision. It’s a daily walk, a long journey of transformation as we become more like Him.
Becoming More Like Jesus
Jesus’ path led to the cross. As we follow Him, we’ll encounter moments of suffering, sacrifice, and the choice to say no to the things that pull us away from God. This is what it means to take up our cross. When we endure trials or resist temptation, we mirror Christ and our lives begin to speak louder than words.
The Beautiful Exchange
There’s a powerful paradox in following the way of Jesus: when we give up our lives for His sake, we find true life. But when we try to preserve life on our own terms, we miss out on the abundant life He offers.
Jesus doesn’t offer a life of burdens and restrictions. He offers purpose, freedom, and joy. Life with Him is not a rigid rulebook, it’s a relationship that brings meaning to every moment.
Our Response to the Call
Today, pause and evaluate how you’re walking in discipleship. Are you denying yourself and living for Jesus or pursuing personal comfort and gain? Make a fresh commitment to follow Him, even when the path is difficult. Surround yourself with believers who encourage and challenge you, and ask God for the strength to persevere.
As Luke 9:23-24 reminds us, when we lose our life for Christ’s sake, we truly find it. Don’t wait, follow the way of Jesus with no regrets.
~This devotional is featured on the YouVersion Bible App.
Frequently Asked Questions
It means living a life patterned after Christ’s teachings and example: denying yourself, serving others, embracing humility, and trusting God daily.
Because transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Following Jesus requires ongoing decisions to trust, obey, and grow in faith each day.
Yes. Though it involves challenges, it leads to eternal life, spiritual freedom, and a life filled with purpose and hope.
Stay connected to a strong faith community, study Scripture regularly, and keep your heart open in prayer. Jesus promised to walk with us every step of the way.
