ESOCS Devotional 20 September 2026 – Take Up Your Cross Daily
MEMORY VERSE: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:39 NIV).
TEXT: MATTHEW 10: 34 – 11: 1
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set[j] a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.
READ OTHER ESOCS DEVOTIONAL HERE
Have you ever wondered what it means to truly follow Jesus? Taking up your cross daily is a reminder of the sacrificial commitment required of every believer. Our text reveals some of the qualities we must possess in other to be worthy of being called God’s children.
To be worthy means having or showing the qualities that deserve the specified action or regard. Being worthy of Him requires a lot of sacrifices ranging from loving God more than your family, denying yourself by forsaking selfish desires and ambitions, taking up his cross by embracing suffering, sacrifice, and identifying with Christ’s mission, following Him by imitating His character and obeying His teachings (Matt.10:37 – 38; 16:24).
Taking up the cross daily isn’t merely about the physical symbol of Jesus’ crucifixion but about the inherent difficulties and sacrifices in living a Christ-centered life. To take up your cross daily means choosing God’s will, even when it contradicts your desires or leads to hardship and most times choosing to die over saving your life (Matt. 10:39; 16:25). Beloved, Jesus spoke these words while preparing His disciples for the trials ahead. Following Him wouldn’t be effortless; they’d face persecution and rejection. This verse reminded them that true discipleship necessitates sacrifice and unwavering commitment.
Today, the believer is summoned to a life of radical obedience and sacrifice, as Paul said in Galatians 2:20:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” In every decision, every action, and every circumstance, we’re called to align our lives with God’s will, even if it means enduring hardship or persecution for His sake. Taking up our cross daily is not just a choice but a steadfast commitment to walk in the footsteps of our Savior, no matter the cost. This is the only way to prove that we are worthy to be called His own.
Many say they are Christians but do not pass this test. They assume they can follow Jesus but live like the world. But in every circumstance, Jesus calls us to take the narrow road, to lay everything aside and follow Him, wherever He leads. God wants you to find meaning and fulfillment. He will take away your fears and worries. He wants you to overflow with joy and live in victory! The path is to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him.
Although the temptations are strong, the world has nothing for us as followers of Jesus. An eternal reward (one rust nor moth can destroy) awaits us when we lose our life for Christ’s sake. Today, we are invited to take up the Cross and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Challenges:
- Are you ready to take up your cross and follow Jesus no matter the cost?
- If faced with a choice—Jesus or the comforts of this life—which one do you choose?
Prayer:
Our Father, we thank you for the privilege of discipleship and the call to take up our cross daily. Grant us the grace and strength to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, even when the path is difficult. Amen.
FURTHER READING:
Nehemiah 4: 15 – 23; 1 Kings 2: 1 – 18; 1 Corinthians 6:1 – 12
ESOCS Devotional 20 September 2026
