The Path Of A Disciple | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | May 24, 2023

The Path Of A Disciple | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | May 24, 2023

And calling the crowd to Him with His disciples, He said to them, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬ ‭

To walk the path of a disciple of Christ means following in His steps in obedience. In Mark 8 Jesus lays out the steps He must take; a journey that will eventually take Him to the cross. There is pushback and outright rebuke as Peter pulls his Lord and Master aside. He bristles at the idea of Jesus suffering in such a way. But Jesus sets Peter straight: his mind is not on the things of God but on the things of man (Mark 8:33). Furthermore, in order to truly follow as a disciple one must not cling too tightly to his own life. To lose it for Christ’s sake would be to gain it.

We face this same tension day after day that the early disciples faced. In going down this road as believers, there is constant temptation to find an easier way especially when opposition inevitably comes. It seems it wasn’t until the disciples saw Jesus walk the path completely (from cross to tomb to resurrection), that they fully understood. On this side of history, we see the whole picture. What it means to be a disciple means denying ourselves and picking up the cross in surrender and obedience. When we do, Jesus promises to go with us and leads as a Good Shepherd.

Question for today: What parts of being a disciple (denying oneself, taking up the cross) are specifically difficult for me?

Pray: Jesus give me the ability to walk the path You have for me as Your disciple.

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