Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus: A Simple Path of Faith
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” — Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
“Take up your cross and follow me” holds deep meaning for believers. It calls us to be ready, willing, and able to obey and submit to God’s will through faith. This article simplifies that call—beginning with answering Him and keeping an open heart.
How Do We Submit to God by Faith?
We submit to God by faith when we trust Him enough to surrender our own will and follow His. Submission is not passive—it is an active choice rooted in confidence that God’s way is better than ours. It means believing His Word, obeying His instructions, and yielding our desires, plans, and decisions to His guidance.
To submit by faith means:
- Trusting God even when we don’t fully understand
- Letting His Word shape our decisions and attitudes
- Surrendering our desires to embrace His will
- Following where He leads, even when it’s difficult
- Relying on His strength instead of our own
In other words, we submit to God by believing His promises enough to obey Him—daily, consistently, and wholeheartedly.
This is exactly what Jesus meant when He said:
“Take up your cross and follow Me.”
True submission is not weak or inactive; it is a deliberate, ongoing choice to trust, obey, and walk in His ways. It is faith expressed in a surrendered life.
Jesus made it clear that following him does not mean adhering to a set of religious rules. Instead, He calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. In simple terms, this means letting go of our own interests and committing our lives to Jesus, living as He did. Following Jesus is not just about beliefs—it is about total surrender. As Jesus said: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” — Mark 8:36 (NIV)
The apostle Paul describes this surrender beautifully:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
In Luke 9:24-25 (NIV), Jesus says:
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”
Luke 9:26–27 (NIV 1984)
26 “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
27 “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
What Jesus Meant in Luke 9:27
This verse is often misunderstood, but the surrounding events bring clarity. Jesus was not saying that some of His disciples would live until the end of the age. Rather, He was promising a near, powerful revelation of His Kingdom—something they themselves would witness before they died.
In other words, Jesus was saying:
“Some of you standing here right now will soon witness the glory, power, and reality of God’s Kingdom breaking into the world.”
And that is exactly what happened:
- Days later, Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured, His face shining like lightning.
- Soon after, the disciples witnessed the Resurrection, the Ascension, and Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came with undeniable power.
These were not distant metaphors.
They were explosions of Kingdom glory—breaking into real time and real history.
Why This Matters for Us Today
Luke 9:27 teaches us that:
- The Kingdom of God is not only future—it’s already here.
- God’s glory doesn’t wait for eternity; it breaks into the present.
- Those who walk with Jesus still see glimpses of His power, His presence, and His miracles.
- Jesus keeps every promise—both the ones for now and the ones for forever.
His words were a promise to His disciples then, and they remain a reminder to believers today:
The Kingdom is nearer, louder, and more alive than we imagine.
What We Learn from Luke 9:26–27
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Faithfulness to Jesus matters—now and forever.
Jesus warns that being ashamed of Him carries eternal weight. Following Him is not a hidden belief—it is a lived, visible, unapologetic allegiance.
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The Kingdom of God is already breaking into the present.
The Transfiguration, Resurrection, and Pentecost were not far-off prophecies—they were immediate revelations of God’s Kingdom bursting into human history.
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God reveals His glory to those who walk closely with Him.
Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured because they followed Him up the mountain.
Revelation is found in relationship. Proximity reveals glory.
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Jesus always fulfills His promises.
He said some would see the Kingdom before they died—and they did.
Every word He speaks stands unshakably true.
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The Kingdom is closer than we think.
We may not stand on the mountain of Transfiguration, but we can still experience His presence, His power, His leading, and His transforming work now.
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Following Jesus opens our eyes to the reality of His Kingdom.
This passage calls believers to spiritual alertness—to watch, to expect, to recognize when Heaven touches earth, to not miss what God is doing right now.
Some will see the Kingdom before they see the grave.
For the Kingdom does not wait for eternity—it breaks into the now.
It flashes on the mountain, rises from the tomb, and burns like fire in the hearts of those who follow Jesus.
Open your eyes. His glory is closer than you think.
— CLK
What Does It Mean to Follow Christ?
To follow Christ means to surrender, obey, and live according to His teachings. It’s not about surface-level change but a deep inner transformation that shapes our lives in faith, love, and obedience.
Many label themselves Christians, “followers of Christ,” yet struggle to obey His instructions. The Bible is simple and clear, avoiding unnecessary complications. God respects our free will, allowing us to choose our path. The Lord does not force anyone to follow Him; it is a personal decision. Nevertheless, choose wisely.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21 (NIV)
In Matthew 7:13-27, Jesus teaches that the path to life is narrow. His true followers bear good fruit and stand on the solid foundation of His Word. Disregarding His teachings leads many down the path of destruction. Heaven is not reached without following the Master’s way. Reaching heaven means choosing the narrow path of obedience and faith.
Consider these 5 Pillars of Faith:
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Answering His Call
Taking up the cross begins with responding to God’s call. When He speaks to our hearts, we should not harden them. Trusting Him, loving Him, and obeying even when we don’t fully understand are key to answering His call.
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Trusting God Completely
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
“The righteous will live by faith.” — Romans 1:17 (NIV)
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Receiving the Good News of Righteousness
We are made right with God—not by our works—but through faith.
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” — Romans 3:22 (NIV)
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Faith Comes from Hearing
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” — Romans 10:17 (NIV)
Listening to God’s Word regularly builds our faith. To grow in faith, make it a habit to listen to God’s Word regularly. Whether it’s through reading the Bible, hearing sermons, worship music, or Christian podcasts, surround yourself with the message of Christ. The more you hear His Word, the stronger your faith becomes.
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Obedience and Accountability
Confession, repentance, and accountability are not burdens but blessings, paving the way for growth and divine alignment. Accountability in faith deepens our relationship with God and fellow believers.
When you confess your mistakes (sins) and repent for them, it is not something to feel burdened by. Instead, it is a blessing because it allows you to grow spiritually and become more aligned with divine principles.
Being accountable for your actions in your faith strengthens your connection with God and with other believers. Therefore, it is not about feeling guilty but rather about finding opportunities for growth and deepening your relationship with your faith community and with God.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” — James 5:16 (NIV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
These verses show how repentance and accountability deepen our faith and connect us to both God and fellow believers.
Embracing a Life of Faith
“Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).” — John 19:16-17 (NIV)
Embracing a life of faith means being willing to carry your own cross—just as Jesus did. It is not just about suffering but also about growing, serving others, and becoming more like Christ. This path leads to a deeper connection with God, where we find peace, joy, and purpose. It challenges us to face our struggles and carry the burdens that come our way with grace and resilience.
Faith is not just what we believe—it is how we live.
Conclusion
Taking up your cross and following Jesus is a simple yet profound journey of faith. It begins with answering His call, trusting Him, and living in obedience. It is more than just a word—it’s an invitation to live a life of sacrifice and service, which includes giving, loving, and helping others.
This path encourages believers to focus on love, kindness, and putting others before themselves. By following Jesus’ example, we can face life’s trials with unwavering faith, building a deeper connection with our spiritual journey.
As we take up our cross and follow Jesus, we discover a life-changing truth: faith is not just a set of beliefs but a transformative way of living. It’s an ongoing process of growth, reflection, and learning, where we find purpose and fulfillment, even in the challenges we face.
By walking this simple path of faith, we align with a higher calling—experiencing peace, joy, and strength through our relationship with Christ.
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” — Matthew 22:14 (NIV)
Let us be among the few who respond wholeheartedly—walking in faith, seeking God with all our hearts, and trusting that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Thank you for taking the time to explore The CLK Quotes and articles. I hope these insights encourage you to reflect on the theme of Taking Up Your Cross and Following Jesus: A Simple Path of Faith. Be sure to check out my other articles for more inspiration and wisdom.
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