In our gospel from Mark, Jesus calls us to be his followers. “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Just imagine what the disciples thought when they heard the call to take up their cross. The cross was an instrument of execution in the Roman empire and Jesus, by stating that they should take up their cross, is suggesting that there is a risk in following him, a risk that they could not have yet realized.
The cross is still a reminder of the cost of discipleship and a reminder of the death of Jesus, but it also reminds us of how death was defeated through his resurrection. It is through Jesus’ resurrection that the cross has become a sign of God’s transforming power. The cross also relates to our call as disciples of Jesus. There are times when being a disciple of Christ has led us to be rejected by the very one we are trying to help. Finally, the cross represents God’s faithfulness to us and the powerful love of the living God in our lives.
Gracious Lord, you call us by name to follow you. Give us the courage to take up our cross. May we go into the world knowing that you will lead us. Amen —