Carryin’ the Cross Ain’t for Show
By: Jimmie Aaron Kepler
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24 (KJV)
I reckon if Jesus were sittin’ across from us today, sipping coffee at the local Starbucks or leaning on the fence after Sunday service, He’d say it just like He did back then:
“If you wanna follow Me, you best put yourself aside, pick up your cross, and walk this road with Me.”
Now that’s not the kind of message you’d put on a billboard or wrap up in shiny bows. That’s a boots-on-the-ground, gut-check kind of truth.
Not the Leadership We’re Used To
See, the world’s got this idea that leadership’s about titles, corner offices, and who talks the loudest in a meeting. But Jesus—He had a way of flipping the script. While folks argued over who’d be greatest in the kingdom, He knelt down with a towel and washed dirty feet.
You don’t get much more upside-down than that.
He didn’t come to be served. He came to serve. To bleed. To forgive folks who didn’t even know they needed forgiving. And that’s the kind of leadership He calls us into.
Not the kind that climbs ladders. The kind that carries crosses.
What the Cross Looks Like
The cross ain’t always some big, tragic burden. Sometimes it’s showing up to a thankless job and giving it your best anyway. Sometimes it’s loving folks who are downright prickly. Sometimes it’s biting your tongue when your pride wants the last word.
It might be caring for someone who’ll never say thank you. Might be praying when you feel dry. Might be holding steady when the storm’s blowin’ hard.
And most of the time, it’s quiet. No spotlight. No applause. Just you and Jesus and a long, dusty road.
This Road We’re On
Jesus didn’t say, “Build a brand and follow Me.” He said, “Deny yourself.”
And that part? That’s the hardest. Because self wants the easy chair, not the crossbeam. But somewhere between the letting go and the holding fast, we find Him walking right beside us.
And somehow, the load gets lighter.
So today—maybe in your office, maybe at the kitchen sink, maybe in traffic with a short fuse and a long to-do list—you’ve got a choice.
Will you follow?
Will you deny your way for His?
Will you pick up your cross, however ordinary or heavy it feels, and take that next faithful step?
The road’s long, friend. But we’re not walkin’ it alone.
And the One we follow? He’s already been there… and He’s walkin’ us home.
Grace and Peace,
Jimmie
Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at Jimmie’s books available in paperback, ebook, audio, and large print
