luke 9:23

Sermon Title: “The Cost and Call of True Discipleship”

Text: Luke 9:23 (ESV)

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”

Introduction

We live in an age of easy-believism—where following Jesus is often presented as a path to self-fulfillment rather than self-denial. But our Lord, in this single verse, lays out the narrow road of discipleship. This is not a call to mere religious activity, but a summons to die daily for Christ. Let’s consider the threefold pattern Jesus gives for all who would truly follow Him.

Point 1: Deny Yourself – The Call to Death of Self

“Let him deny himself…”

Meaning

To “deny yourself” means to renounce any claim to self-sovereignty. It is a repudiation of self-will, self-glory, and self-righteousness. The Greek word aparnēsasthō carries the force of a decisive rejection—like Peter’s denial of Christ, only here it is the self being rejected.

Cross References

Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live…”

Philippians 3:8 – “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Illustration

Imagine a man condemned to death, walking through the town with a noose around his neck. He no longer clings to his dreams, plans, or pride. That is what it means to deny self—the old man has been crucified. You cannot follow Christ while clinging to the throne of your own life.

Application

Are you more committed to your comfort than to Christ’s commands?

Denying self means laying down your desires when they conflict with God’s Word—even when it costs friends, reputation, or ease.

Point 2: Take Up Your Cross Daily – The Call to Ongoing Sacrifice

“…and take up his cross daily…”

Meaning

The cross was not a symbol of inconvenience; it was an instrument of execution. To take up the cross is to embrace suffering, shame, and even death for the sake of obedience to Christ. And the call is daily—ongoing, relentless surrender.

Cross References

Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice…”

2 Corinthians 4:10 – “Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus…”

Illustration

In Roman times, a criminal carrying his cross was marching to his own execution. This was a one-way journey. Similarly, the believer daily walks in the shadow of the cross, not for atonement—Christ has paid it all—but as a continual expression of surrender and sanctification.

Application

What “crosses” are you avoiding because they’re inconvenient?

Faithfulness in marriage, boldness in evangelism, and patience in suffering—all are ways we take up the cross.

True discipleship is not seasonal or sentimental. It’s sacrificial.

Point 3: Follow Me – The Call to Obedient Pursuit of Christ

“…and follow me.”

Meaning

Following Christ is not merely admiring Him. It is to walk in His steps, to obey His teachings, and to trust Him as the Sovereign Lord. This is not optional for the Christian—it is the essence of Christianity. To follow Christ is to forsake the world.

Cross References

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

1 Peter 2:21 – “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”

Illustration

Picture a snow-covered path, and a father walking ahead, leaving footprints for his child to step in. Christ has gone before us—through suffering, obedience, humility—and bids us walk where He has walked. The way is narrow and steep, but He is our forerunner and companion.

Application

Do you follow Jesus only when it aligns with your preferences?

The call to follow is not once for all, but day by day. The mark of a true disciple is a persevering pursuit of Christ, no matter the cost.

Conclusion: The Gospel Foundation

This is a hard call—but it is not a hopeless one. Christ does not call us to do what He Himself has not done. He denied Himself for our sake, took up His cross literally, and bore the wrath of God so that we might be saved. Only by grace—through the regenerating work of the Spirit—can we walk this path.

“The cross comes before the crown, and tomorrow is a Monday of self-denial.” – J.C. Ryle

May we not settle for a Christianity without a cross. The crucified Savior calls us to follow Him—not in comfort, but in costly obedience. And He who calls us is faithful to sustain us to the end.