Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”
He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:18-27
Become My Followers
O great Creator of all peoples
we find ourselves in wicked times
where glory and gain are most important
compassion and kindness are weakness.
You called us to deny ourselves daily
taking up our crosses and following
we ache to be your disciples today
and find it hard in these troubled times.
The city streets are full of protest
our leaders are worried about self alone
illness wraps around every daily task
and we are reticent to go out anywhere.
Help us to not fear ridicule and hurt
give us strong and relentless hearts
make us your humble and tender followers
who never fear the cost of living love. Amen.
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