Saturday – February 21, 2026

Take Up the Cross

Scripture Reading

Matthew 16:21–26a
“All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me…”

Isaiah asks about fasting. Jesus asks about following. Both questions lead to the same place: surrender.

When Peter resists Jesus’ path of suffering love, he is thinking in human terms—safety, success, reputation. Jesus reframes the journey. The fast God chooses and the cross Jesus carries both reveal that love is costly—but life-giving.

In Wesleyan understanding, discipleship is active participation in grace. We cooperate with what God is doing in us and through us. We deny ourselves not because we hate ourselves, but because we trust God’s vision more than our own.

The cross is not about self-destruction. It is about self-giving love. When we lose ourselves in mercy, justice, and compassion, we discover true life. Lent trains our hearts for this deeper freedom.

The ashes remind us we are mortal. The cross reminds us we are called.

Reflection Question

What might it look like for you to take up your cross in daily life this season?

Concrete Action Step

Choose one practice of self-giving love this week—serve without recognition, give generously, or support someone in need even when inconvenient.

Prayer

Jesus, you walked the path of self-giving love. Teach us to follow. Help us trust that losing our lives in you leads to life indeed. Amen.