Disciples follow Jesus’ call to go
daily with a cross

We COME with Jesus to His cross – and hear that we have one of our own to bear (last week). So now, as disciples of Jesus, we GO through life picking up our cross DAILY – one described by Jesus as self-denial, losing one’s life and following Him.

Standing on the words of Apostle Paul to his mentee-in-Jesus Timothy, we rejoice that we can do this not with a spirit of timidity, but [with] a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7). Read 2 Timothy 1:1-14 and picture how this mentoring spirit of Paul could exist in your life through mentors and mentees.

2 Timothy 1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, my dear son:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thanksgiving
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Following Jesus as We Come 'n Go

John 11:16

Then Thomas said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Pondering Point

Last week we heard Jesus invite the disciples to come with Him as He went to face the devil – and with that an arrest, beating, and death on a cross. Though a different context here, we see Thomas encouraging the other disciples to willingly face death in order to accompany Jesus.

Thomas knew that they were returning to hostile territory. This territory was under the influence of those who wanted Jesus and His influence eliminated – as well as His followers. The hearts of Jesus’ disciples were in the right place. Though they would run away the night of Jesus’ arrest, later they would literally give their lives for the sake of Jesus.

Prayer for the Day

Father God, Lord, may I – may we – be ready to rise to any occasion You place us in that we may glorify You with our lives. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.