The Question Beneath Every Question

Luke 9:18–24
 
Exposition
“Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks the disciples. It’s the question behind every question: behind every doubt, every fear, every longing. Because how you answer that will determine who you are.

Peter speaks first: “The Christ of God.” And Jesus affirms him—but also warns them. The Christ must suffer, be rejected, killed, and rise. It’s not the triumphant king they imagined. It’s a cross-shaped path. And then comes the jarring call: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily.”

This is not spiritual masochism. It is the paradox of life in Christ. If you try to save your life—control it, protect it, perfect it—you’ll lose it. But if you lose it for His sake, you’ll find something deeper than safety: you’ll find joy.

Application
Following Jesus is not about adding religion to a busy life. It’s about surrendering the throne. That might mean dying to pride in a friendship, choosing forgiveness when it hurts, or standing for truth even when mocked.

But Jesus never asks us to do what He hasn’t done. He carried His cross first. And now, through His Spirit, He carries ours with us. So don’t be afraid. In dying to self, you are being made more alive than ever before.

Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Jesus, you are the Christ of God. Help us not only to say it, but to live it. Give us grace to lay down our lives, knowing you will raise them up. Let our crosses not be burdens, but bridges into deeper joy. Teach us the strange freedom of following you.
 Amen.