Two of the disciples, James and John, tell Jesus that they want him to do for them whatever they ask.  Seems to me our prayer lives are often exactly that.  It turns out that what they want is to each sit on either side of Jesus in his glory.  Jesus answers with a question, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?” (Mark 10:38).  In another conversation, Jesus says it like this…”If anyone would come after me, let them deny themself, take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24). I was thinking about these words as I looked at various crosses…

“Take up your cross” might mean that our life could feel like a conglomeration of puzzle pieces.  The journey is a step or leap of faith and not always fully understood.  We may not have a neat, orderly, and clearly mapped picture of what it will all look like.  We surrender control and trust God.

“Take up your cross” might mean some rough roads ahead.  When we follow Jesus, we go where Christ goes and we listen for his voice.  There can be turns in the road and we find ourselves in places we never thought we would go.  The road is one of humility and becoming a servant.  Rather than climbing a ladder of success, it is bending to care for the lost and the lonely.

“Take up your cross” will involve sacrificial love.  It won’t always be what we want.  Jesus says, “Whoever would save their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”  Jesus asks the question of us”Are you able?”

“The Way of the Cross” by Tiepolo, 1749

Pondering…

With which of the crosses do you most identify right now?

How is your cross difficult?

How is the cross joyful for you?

nk