Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Me

Introduction: The Invitation to Discipleship

Good morning, everyone! Let’s dive right into it. If you’ve been around church for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Pick up your cross and follow Me.” It’s one of those iconic lines from Jesus that sounds really powerful and spiritual—but what exactly does it mean? Is Jesus asking us to walk around with a literal cross on our shoulders, like we’re auditioning for a role in a historical drama? Or is there more to it?

Today, we’re going to unpack what it really means to pick up your cross and follow Jesus—because this is the core of what it means to be one of Jesus’ disciples. If you’re thinking, "Well, I’m not really sure I’m ready for that," don’t worry, you’re not alone. But by the end of this message, my hope is that you’ll have a better idea of what Jesus was asking, and why becoming one of His disciples is actually the best decision you can make.

The Call to Discipleship: More Than Just Showing Up

First off, let’s talk about what it means to follow Jesus. When we think about following Jesus, we often think about going to church, reading the Bible, and maybe saying a prayer every now and then. And while those are important parts of the Christian life, following Jesus is about way more than just showing up on Sundays or having a “Jesus fish” sticker on your car.

To follow Jesus is to live like He lived, to think like He thought, to act like He acted. It’s a whole lifestyle. Being a disciple isn’t just about listening to Jesus—it’s about doing what He said. And you know what? It’s a commitment. It’s not always easy. Sometimes it’s downright hard. But the good news is, Jesus didn’t leave us to figure it all out on our own.

What Does It Mean to “Pick Up Your Cross”?

Okay, now let’s get to the good stuff—picking up our cross. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24,

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Now, I’m sure some of you are wondering, “Wait, did Jesus just ask me to carry a literal cross? Like, a heavy wooden thing? Because I don’t think my gym membership covers that.”

But here’s the deal—Jesus wasn’t talking about a literal cross. When Jesus told people to “pick up your cross,” He was using a metaphor. In the first century, a cross wasn’t a symbol of hope or love. It was a symbol of death. The cross was a tool of execution, a way the Romans punished criminals. So, when Jesus says, “Pick up your cross”, He’s saying, “Be prepared to die to your old way of life.” It’s a call to self-denial, a call to surrender your will to God’s will.

Let’s be real for a moment. We like our comforts. We like doing things the way we like doing them. And Jesus is saying, “If you want to follow Me, you’ve got to let go of your own selfish desires and pick up something much bigger.” That means saying “no” to sin, saying “no” to selfishness, and saying “yes” to God’s plan for your life.

It’s not about suffering for suffering’s sake, but about a willing choice to live for God, even when it’s difficult. Picking up your cross means following Jesus even when it goes against the grain of society, your friends, or even your own desires. It means living with integrity, standing for justice, loving your enemies, and being a light in a dark world.

What Does It Look Like to Be a Disciple Today?

Okay, so you’re thinking, “That sounds serious, but what does it actually look like in my day-to-day life?” Great question. Let’s break it down with a few practical examples:

• Living Selflessly: As a disciple, your life isn’t about just getting what you want. It’s about putting others first. That means when you’re at work, in school, or at home, you don’t just think about your own needs and wants—you think about how you can serve and bless the people around you. Jesus was all about serving others, and He wants us to do the same.

  
  

• Making Tough Choices: Following Jesus means you’ll sometimes have to make tough choices. Maybe it’s choosing honesty over convenience, or choosing forgiveness over holding a grudge. Maybe it’s standing up for someone who’s being mistreated, even if it costs you something. When you pick up your cross, you make decisions that honor God, even when it’s hard.

  
  

• Loving Like Jesus Loved: Jesus didn’t just love the people who were easy to love. He loved the outcasts, the sinners, the broken. As His disciples, we’re called to do the same. Loving like Jesus means showing kindness to the people who don’t deserve it, forgiving those who’ve wronged you, and showing mercy when it’s easier to show judgment.

  
  

• Living With Purpose: Disciples don’t live aimlessly. They live with purpose. You are called to make a difference in the world, to spread the Gospel, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in your community. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or just being a good friend, your life should reflect the mission of Christ.

  
  

Count the Cost: It’s Not Always Easy, But It’s Worth It

Here’s the hard truth: picking up your cross isn’t easy. Jesus didn’t sugarcoat it. In Luke 14:27, He says,

“Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” 

That’s a pretty clear statement.

Following Jesus is a commitment that will cost you something—your time, your money, your comfort, maybe even your reputation. And sometimes, it might feel like you’re the only one who’s trying to do the right thing in a world that doesn’t get it. But here’s the thing: the cost of following Jesus is nothing compared to the reward.

Jesus promises that following Him leads to life—life abundant, life eternal, life full of purpose and meaning. Yes, there will be trials and challenges, but in the end, we will be rewarded in ways that far surpass anything this world has to offer. It’s not a decision you make lightly, but it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

How Do You Become a Disciple?

Okay, now you’re probably wondering, “How do I become a disciple of Jesus? Do I need to join some secret club or get a special badge?”

Nope. The beauty of being a disciple is that anyone can do it. All you have to do is follow Jesus. That’s it. Here’s how:

• Admit you need Jesus: Realize that you can’t do life on your own. You need a Savior, and Jesus is the One who came to rescue you.

  
  

• Believe in Him: Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and that He rose again so that you could have eternal life.

• Commit to following Him: Make a choice to follow Jesus every day. Pick up your cross, lay down your old self, and embrace the life He has for you.

  
  

• Live it out: Discipleship isn’t just about what you believe—it’s about what you do. Let your life reflect the teachings of Jesus. Love, serve, forgive, and share His message with the world.

  
  

Conclusion: A Life Worth Following

So, here’s the bottom line: picking up your cross and following Jesus is not a life of comfort, but it is a life of purpose, fulfillment, and joy. It’s not always easy, but it’s the most rewarding journey you’ll ever take. When you choose to follow Jesus, you’re choosing a life of love, selflessness, and transformation.

So, let’s make the decision today to pick up our cross, follow Jesus, and live the life He’s called us to. Let’s not just be fans of Jesus—let’s be His disciples, living out His mission and His love in the world.

Let’s pray,

Father, thank You for the invitation to follow You. Help us to pick up our cross daily and live as true disciples of Jesus. Give us the strength to deny ourselves, to love others, and to live with purpose. We know it won’t always be easy, but we trust that following You is the best decision we can make. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go ahead—pick up your cross and follow Him! It’s a journey that will change your life forever.