Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
Until now in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has been doing well against the opposition he faced. Now, the forces of darkness are beginning to gather against him, and he starts to prepare his disciples for what lies ahead. They don’t like it; they have signed up to follow a conqueror, not a rejected and crucified criminal. Jesus is very sharp with Peter, a reaction that perhaps shows the strength of the temptation to turn aside from his path. Each of his disciples, he says, must ‘forget self, carry his cross, and follow me’ (verse 24): we all go where our master leads.
We’re so used to this expression that we might miss its power. To ‘carry our cross’ might mean to us no more than putting up with a few inconveniences or hardships for the sake of our faith. If we can do this without grumbling or resentment, so much the better. But it’s much more than that. It means putting aside any desire for success or approval or validation whatsoever. Crucifixion represented ultimate failure and humiliation. When we follow Christ, we’re committing ourselves to being fulfilled by him alone. And as the spiritual writer Thomas a Kempis said: ‘If you bear the Cross willingly, it will bear you ... if you bear the Cross unwillingly, you make for yourself a still heavier burden.’
God, let me be ruled by Christ alone, and be satisfied with him even if others oppose me or reject me. Let me take up my cross and follow him, as he commanded.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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