6. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: TAKE

Thursday, February 29th

Read Matthew 16:24-26 (copied below).

Follow Jesus…

After Jesus warns his disciples of his future suffering, trials, death, and resurrection (to which Peter begins to rebuke him), he calls to the crowd gathered with them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” He then assures the people that those who lose their lives for his sake will actually save them.

to be the best version of myself…

I recently learned a helpful new insight about Jesus’ invitation to take up our crosses. Alexander John Shaia of Quadratos (his link is offered below) tells us that the cross Jesus is referring to is not the cross of crucifixion. In Jesus’ time, another cross was known to symbolize vitality, authenticity, and wholeness. Alexander John explains that this is the cross Jesus tells us to pick up–a symbol of our journey to completion as we follow and serve him.

So, when Jesus calls me to follow his ways and teachings, he tells me to bring the cross of my authentic self–to be graciously accepted as is, then tenderly perfected on this journey into deeper faith and love. Yes, there will be trials and sorrows as I follow along; times when I–like Peter–will question why life must be this way. I will be asked to pick up what Jesus tells us to carry, the burdens found in love and humble service. But this cross will be one of vitality and authenticity, not the cross of death. I will not be losing life but finding life, life in all its fullness.

for the world.

God, Infinite Love,
Thank you that Jesus calls us to follow him into loving service but also abundant life. Help me to bring my whole self–my full vitality and authenticity–and to pick up any burdens that will bless you and serve others. I thank you for your constant presence on this journey and ask you to guide and teach me well.

Our reading for Thursday (29th) will be Matthew 11:28-30.

Photo by Karen, Kennebunkport, ME. This inspires me to leave the sanctuary of safety to face the bright reality of daily living in Christ.

~~~~~

Matthew 16:24-26 (NRSVUE)

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

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