Day 1: Who Do You Say That I Am? Scripture: Luke 9:18-20 Reflection: Jesus asked His disciples the most important question anyone can answer: “Who do you say that I am?” Like Peter, we must come to recognize Jesus as “the Christ of God.” This isn’t about repeating others’ opinions or cultural views – it’s deeply personal. Take time today to examine your own answer to this question. Prayer Focus: Ask God to reveal Jesus more clearly to you and strengthen your personal conviction about who He is.
Day 2: The Divine Must Scripture: Luke 9:21-22 Reflection: Jesus’ suffering wasn’t an accident – it was a divine necessity (“must”). His death wasn’t a tragedy but His mission. Understanding this helps us grasp God’s intentional plan for our salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. Prayer Focus: Thank God for His perfect plan of salvation and Jesus’ willingness to fulfill it.
Day 3: The Daily Cross Scripture: Luke 9:23 Reflection: Following Jesus requires daily self-denial and cross-bearing. This isn’t about wearing a cross or occasional sacrifice – it’s about daily surrender to God’s will, even when it’s difficult. What areas of your life need to be surrendered to Christ today? Prayer Focus: Ask for strength to “take up your cross daily” in specific areas of your life.
Day 4: The Great Paradox Scripture: Luke 9:24-25 Reflection: Jesus presents a paradox: to save your life, you must lose it. The world says “live for yourself,” but Jesus says “die to self and live forever.” Consider what worldly things you might be holding onto that are keeping you from fully following Christ. Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom to recognize areas where you’re trying to “save your life” rather than losing it for Christ.
Day 5: The Cost of Discipleship Scripture: Luke 9:26-27 Reflection: Following Jesus comes with a cost, but also with an eternal reward. Like Bonhoeffer said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Yet through this death to self, we find true life in Christ. Prayer Focus: Ask God for courage to follow Jesus regardless of the cost, and thank Him for the promise of eternal life.
Each day, consider journaling your thoughts and responses to these reflections, and look for practical ways to apply these truths in your daily life.
