‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭MSG — Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?”

Jesus has just told His disciples that He would suffer and die. In today’s key verse, He is instructing the disciples that they should take up their cross and follow Him. Did you know Jesus was about 33 when He died. This would mean that everything He accomplished in His ministry was done in three years. Think about those three valuable years spent with His disciples and how devastated they must have been to hear Jesus share that He would suffer and die.

The Message version of this verse brings to mind my word for 2025, Humble. Matthew says self-help is no help at all. Daily we try to take hold of the driver’s seat, when we should be denying ourselves and submitting to God’s Will. Jesus’ ministry was the perfect example of self-sacrifice. What do you need to surrender to God?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for leading me to the cross. I humbly come before You, seeking Your perfect will. I surrender the driver’s seat to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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