A Pilgrim People | Friday | 9/4

The Cross Is the Way

Luke 9:23–25

Jesus said to everyone, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will save them. What advantage do people have if they gain the whole world for themselves yet perish or lose their lives?

Pilgrims need a direction.

For Christians, that direction is ultimately revealed in Jesus.

We may not know exactly where the road ahead leads. We can't predict every turn, disruption, inconvenience, or opportunity that will come our way.

But we know our compass.

His name is Jesus.

And Jesus points us toward the cross.

The cross isn't simply something Christians believe happened to Jesus. The cross reveals the shape of the life Jesus calls us to live: self-giving love, sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, faithfulness, and trust in God.

That means the most important question isn't always, “

Will I like this?”

It isn't even, “Will this work?”

The pilgrim's question is:

“Does this form me into the likeness of Christ?” 

We don't know everything the journey ahead will hold.

But we know the way.

The cross of Christ is not in the way. The cross of Christ is the way. 

So keep walking.

Keep following.

Keep allowing Christ to form you along the road.

We are not tourists.

We are a pilgrim people.

Reflect

What would it look like for the way of Jesus and His cross to determine your direction today?

Pray

Jesus, you are my compass. When I don't know where the road leads, keep my eyes fixed on you. Form me in the way of the cross and give me courage to follow wherever you lead. Amen.